Arithmetic of Despair: Some numbers from Europe's migrant crisis

Syrian refugees arrive on the shores of the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey on a inflatable dinghy , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. More than 260,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in Greece so far this year, most reaching the country's eastern islands on flimsy rafts or boats from the nearby Turkish coast. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) (The Associated Press)

BRUSSELS – Coverage of Europe's migration crisis often contains confusing big figures, as men, women and children who in many cases are fleeing war and poverty in their own countries continue to arrive in great numbers not seen in Europe since World War II. As European Union leaders and governments struggle to deal with the issue, here are some key figures to keep in mind:

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500,000

The number of people thought to have fled conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa to seek sanctuary in the European Union so far this year.

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350,000

The number of such people who could be eligible for asylum or some form of international protection in Europe.

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120,000

The number of refugees arriving in Greece, Italy and perhaps Hungary over the next two years. EU officials want member countries to agree to resettle them in their territories. Some states are willing, others are balking. The issue is dominating Tuesday's meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels.

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40,000

The number of refugees arriving in Greece and Italy in 2015-16 which EU countries previously agreed to distribute between them.

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800,000

The number of asylum applications Germany expects in 2015. As of Sept. 8, around 450,000 people were reported to have entered that country.

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350,000

The number of migrants who have arrived in Greece this year.

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4 million

The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey a high-ranking U.N. official has said might attempt to come to Europe.

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6,000 euros ($6,680)

The amount that countries will receive in EU funds for each refugee they agree to relocate from Greece, Italy and perhaps Hungary.