Vast numbers of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in Europe in 2015. More than 800.000 are estimated to have arrived by the Mediterranean so far this year. With a count surpassing 40.000 deaths since 2000, IOM defines this phenomenon as “an epidemic of crime and abuse" (source: http://missingmigrants.iom.int/). At the same time, this crisis has stirred up a heated debate as the European countries struggle to cope with several issues concerning: integration, human rights, economy, juridical matters and internal cooperation.
In November and December 2015, Brussels will host many events dedicated to several aspects of the so called "refugee and migrant crisis".
17 November - The Refugee Crisis and the Future of the EU
17 November - The Syrian refugee crisis and its implications for EU - Turkey relations
23 November - The economic integration of migrants and refugees
24 November - Integration of refugees - How do cities and institutions respond?
27 November - Lunchtime debate: Free movement and migration
1 December - 6th Annual International Symposium on Preventing Human Trafficking: Strengthening Cooperation, Developing a Multilevel Approach
8 December - DW panel discussion on Europe's refugee crisis