The Italian coast guard rescued nearly 250 migrants, including a newborn baby, from a fishing boat drifting a few miles off the Calabrian coast at the weekend. The rescue operation was complicated by rough weather conditions.
While most migrant journeys across the Mediterranean tend to focus on using the shortest route to the EU, there is a new route opening up to Italy's Calabria region, which only a select few can afford. Criminal gangs meanwhile are making huge profits from exploiting people fleeing persecution.
Ukraine has fortified its border with Belarus, fearing that migrants stuck in the isolated country might try to reach Ukraine next. Its ambassador to Germany said that there may be political reasons for Russia's support of Belarus in the crisis.
Polish security authority have detained about 100 migrants who entered Poland across the Belarusian border. Meanwhile, G7 foreign ministers have urged the government in Minsk to bring an end to the crisis situation.
Sports equipment retailer Decathlon said Tuesday it would no longer sell canoes in the north of France to prevent migrants from attempting to use them to cross to England.
Fear and hopelessness are driving thousands of Iraqis toward Europe via Belarus. But the journey is fraught with difficulties — starting with the cost.
French maritime authorities say they have rescued more than 200 migrants who were trying to reach Britain from France in makeshift boats. So far this year, more than 20,000 migrants have reached Britain by crossing the English Channel.
Poland has closed its border with Belarus after a group of migrants tried to forcibly enter. Warsaw has accused Minsk of preparing a "provocation," with Germany urging the EU to "take action."
Lithuania has begun erecting the first stretches of a steel wall on its border with Belarus. The barrier is meant to prevent irregular crossings of migrants.
French maritime authorities have rescued more than 400 migrants who were trying to reach Britain from France in small boats, according to French officials. One migrant died and one went missing.
Notwithstanding the risks of embarking on a journey fraught with dangers and even death, scores of migrants are choosing to put their destinies in the hands of local smugglers in Iraq to get into the EU via Belarus.
The Polish military has announced plans to more than double its troop numbers, as the country faces security and migration challenges on its eastern border.