Lurch to right

In Europe, next year's political fallout of the great migration question could be a lurch to the right.

"June's European Parliament elections will be key," Geddes said. "They could play a big part of defining the next five years.

"Currently, right-wing parties are in a strong position, so you're looking at a shift in the balance of power in EU institutions, and in key member states, which could set the direction of travel on issues such as border control, security and external solutions."

All the while, the boats still come, across the Mediterranean and the English Channel. On board are people with cellphones, which encourage them to pursue their dreams of what they think is a better life, and record the nightmarish reality of their journeys.

Those people may never reach the capital cities of Europe, but the journeys they make and will continue to make are shaping decisions made in those cities, which could have ramifications shaping the lives of millions of people, settled and displaced, for years to come.