Another three million migrants and refugees to arrive in EU[rabia] by end of 2016.

Another three million migrants and refugees to arrive in EU[rabia] by end of 2016. (DM).

The European Union is predicting that 3 million more migrants could arrive in the 28-nation bloc by the end of next year, with the refugee emergency already providing a stern test of EU capacities to offer shelter and welcome.

More than 700,000 people have come to Europe seeking sanctuary or jobs so far this year, overwhelming reception centers and border authorities.

EU autumn economic forecasts released on Thursday show that based on current migrant entries and a 'technical assumption' about future flows, arrival rates are unlikely to slow before 2017.

The EU's executive Commission said that 'overall, an additional 3 million persons is assumed to arrive in the EU over the forecast period.'

On Thursday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was a first-hand witness, seeing migrants and refugees reaching the Greek island of Lesbos by dinghy as his motorcade traveled from Lesbos airport to a new registration facility.

'We realized that is a criminal process being carried out by the smugglers who cram refugees onto vessels that are not boats, but makeshift inflatables,' he said. 'What's happening in the Aegean Sea is a crime.'

The flow of migrants into Greece's mainland and beyond was turning to a trickle on Thursday, however, as a ferry strike entered its fourth day and trapped thousands of people on the eastern Aegean islands.

Most people are arriving in Europe through Italy and Greece, while Hungary and Austria have been affected by heavy migrant flows. Germany and Sweden are also feeling the impact.

Those nations, among others, want the EU to apply its budget rules with flexibility, taking into account Europe's biggest refugee emergency in well over half a century, and avoid reprimanding member states for excessive spending and deficits.

The Commission said Thursday that Sweden, which has the highest share of refugees per capita, is likely to feel the economic impact most, perhaps 0.5 percent of its gross domestic product this year. Hmmmm.......Why pay Turkey over $ 3 Billion if so many are still coming through? Read the full story here.

Related: All Employment Growth Since 2000 in the U.S. Went to Immigrants - Number of U.S.-born not working grew by 17 million.