<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out - of - date information . Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information . (April 2017) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out - of - date information . Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information . (April 2017) </Td> </Tr> <P> The European migrant crisis, or the European refugee crisis, is a term given to a period beginning in 2015 when rising numbers of people arrived in the European Union (EU), travelling across the Mediterranean Sea or overland through Southeast Europe . It is part of a pattern of increased immigration to Europe from other continents which began in the late 20th century and which has encountered resistance in many European countries . </P> <P> Immigrants from outside Europe include asylum seekers and economic migrants . In some cases, immigration has been a cover for hostile agents, including Islamic State militants disguised as refugees or migrants . </P>

When did the refugee crisis in europe start