EU predicts 3m more migrants by the end of 2016

The EU is predicting that 3m more migrants could arrive in the 28-nation bloc by the end of next year, with the refugee emergency already providing a stern test of EU capacities to offer shelter and welcome.

More than 700,000 people have come to Europe seeking sanctuary or jobs so far this year, overwhelming reception centres and border authorities.

EU autumn economic forecasts show that, based on current migrant entries and a “technical assumption” about future flows, arrival rates are unlikely to slow before 2017.