(VOVworld) - The European Union fears Mediterranean migrant smuggling gangs are reviving a route from Egypt, putting thousands of people to sea in recent months as they face problems in Libya and Turkey.

Syrian and Iraqi refugees gathered at the border between Greece and Macedonia  (Photo: Xinhua/ VNA)

EU officials said as security in Libya has worsened, more smugglers are choosing to bring African and Middle East refugees and migrants to the Egyptian coast. Voyages from Egypt are long, but smugglers count on people being rescued once they reach international shipping lanes. The EU has negotiated with Turkish authorities to stem the flow of refugees and called on Egyptian authorities to act to deal with this crisis.