Atlas of migration in Europe, a critical geography of migration policies

Since the mid-1980s, European countries have been strengthening controls on migration at their borders, as well as in transit countries. As a result, migrants’ routes have become increasingly dangerous.

In 2013, it is impossible to ignore the dramas taking place at the EU’s borders. Every year, hundreds of exiles die, by drowning, exhaustion, on overloaded boats and along millitarized land borders.

In a context of major economic crisis, the situation does not seem set to improve. For politicians looking for "quick fixes" the watchwords remain militarization of borders and strengthening controls. Recent mass arrests of migrants in the streets of Athens and Rabat are illustrations of this climate which is fueled by declarations of European leaders referring to migrants as a "danger".

The Atlas of Migration in Europe underlines the inconsistencies and the consequences of migration management in the European Union.

To understand developments in European migration policy, Migreurop has compiled information on a reality that remains elusive, both because of its geographical scale and because of a lack of transparency on the part of European governments.

The Atlas includes unedited maps, charts and photographs.

The Atlas contains over one hundred maps, graphics and photographs, which show how borders shift and controls are "outsourced" and illustrate the focus on security which characterises the development of migration policy in Europe and beyond.

A critical assessment of the development of European policies on immigration and asylum since the 1980s

. Increasing barriers to obtaining a "Schengen" visa

. Relocation of border controls to neighboring countries (Libya, Turkey and Ukraine)

. Frontex Operations to intercept "illegal" migrants

. Building walls as in Ceuta and Melilla

The Atlas will be launched in London on Monday 2 December at 6.00 pm at Garden Court Chamber (Holborn station)

Press contact-Migreurop:
0033 1 53 27 87 81
contact@migreurop.rg

Contents and introduction of the Atlas: http://www.migreurop.org/article2311.html
The Atlas on the New Internationalist website: http://newint.org/books/maps-and-atlases/atlas-of-migration/