by Associated Press BC-EU--Migrants-Journey to Europe,ADVISORY, EU Associated Press - 28 March 2015 11:51-04:00 Editors: Migrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East take many routes to cross illegally into the European Union, and all are fraught with likely disappointment and occasional danger. The newest path, through the EU's Balkans back door, comes with a cruel twist: an epic 250-kilometer (150-mile) walk that is surging in popularity even though most who try it fail. This month, The Associated Press traveled for 10 days and nights with a 45-member group of West African migrants trying to reach Germany and France via Hungary, the terminus of the Western Balkans route. Many trekkers have faced years of failure to reach the heart of Europe by other sea and air routes — and soon discover that the new path makes its own peculiar demands on those who try it. Here is the migrants' story, from their Feb. 27 assembly in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki through 10 days of mounting agony and, for all but a lucky handful, ultimate defeat. The 2,600-word story, and an abridged story of 1,100 words, have been sent. MIGRANTS-JOURNEY TO EUROPE — Each month, a tide of humanity pours through the hills of Greece, Macedonia and Serbia in hopes of entering the heart of the 28-nation European Union through its vulnerable back door in the Balkans. Most don't make it on their first attempt. Nor their third or fifth. Many, it seems, just keep trying — and failing — over and over. By Dalton Bennett and Shawn Pogatchnik. SENT: 2,600 words, photos, video. An abridged version of 1,100 words also was sent. — MIGRANTS-JOURNEY TO EUROPE-TIMELINE — A timeline of African migrants' 10-day Balkan journey on foot. 670 words. — MIGRANTS-ROAD TO EUROPE-KEY ROUTES — A look at the main four smuggling routes to the European Union listed in order of popularity in 2014. 700 words. — AP VIDEO EUROPE MIGRANTS — AP travels with migrants on their journey across Europe in hopes of starting a better life. The AP News Topics: General news People, Places and Companies: Europe Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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