LESBOS, Greece - Ten years after Europe's 2015 migration crisis, the Greek island of Lesbos continues to grapple with its long-term effects, showcasing both challenges and signs of integration [1][2][3].

In 2015, over one million migrants and refugees arrived in Europe, with the majority landing on Lesbos, merely 10 kilometers from the Turkish coast [1][2][3]. The influx overwhelmed the island's resources, with local fishermen rescuing people from drowning and grandmothers bottle-feeding newly arrived infants [1][2][3].

Amena Namjoyan, who fled Iran with her family during the crisis, exemplifies the complex journey of many migrants. After months in an overcrowded camp and a brief stint in Germany, she returned to Lesbos. Today, Namjoyan works at a restaurant, preparing Iranian dishes for local patrons [1][2][3].

"Greece is close to my culture, and I feel good here," Namjoyan said. "I am proud of myself" [1][2][3]. Her experience highlights the gradual integration of some migrants into Greek society, with her second child identifying as Greek [1][2][3].

However, the crisis has left a lasting impact on European politics and policy. It fueled the rise of far-right parties across the continent and led to stricter border controls [1][2][3]. The European Union has since focused on fortifying its external borders and expediting asylum procedures [1][2][3].

Despite these measures, migration to Europe continues, albeit at a reduced scale. In 2024, about 178,000 "irregular arrivals" were reported by Frontex, the EU's border agency [1][2][3]. Many migrants still face prolonged stays in overcrowded facilities as they await decisions on their asylum applications [1][2][3].

As Europe reflects on the decade since the crisis peak, the situation on Lesbos serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges and changes in migration patterns and policies across the continent [1][2][3].