Hundreds of people have crossed the Mediterranean from the coasts of North Africa and the Middle East to reach Europe in the past few days. The number of deaths and disappearances remains unknown.

Italy has passed legislation to grant permits to 40,000 non-EU seasonal workers for the agricultural and tourism sectors. The move was applauded by Italian farmers' association Coldiretti.

A migrant rescued off Sicily in a boat carrying 49 others alleges six crew members of the Tunisian fishing boat 'Zohar' stole their vessel's engine and extorted money from passengers aboard.

Germany has stepped up the return of asylum seekers from Georgia, North Macedonia, Albania, Moldova and Serbia, whose applications were rejected. More migrants are returning home voluntarily too.