The main aim of this paper is to identify the chief characteristics of European migration flows during the last decade. We do this in terms of a series of questions relating to diversity of the flows and shifts in the patterns and trends. We start by examining whether there have been major changes in stocks of foreign population and whether migration flows in Europe are increasing. We will also review the main origins of foreign migrants and identify the major changes in Europ ´s migration fields. Finally, we deal with the impact of EU enlargement and conclude by examining the available data on asylum seeking and irregular migration.