Getty The refugees from Libya will board unseaworthy vessels in a bid to reach the EU

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Refugees from Libya are expected to trek across deserts and board unseaworthy vessels in a bid to reach Europe through Italy. And European leaders are bracing themselves for a flood of migrants and economic refugees at their door. It is estimated that 181,000 economic migrants made the treacherous journey to Europe last year, although they had little hope of being allowed to stay legally.

Their journey spanned across the Mediterranean from war-torn Libya - Africa’s nearest stretch of coast to Italy. Figures show that 4,500 died or disappeared during the perilous journey. And hundreds have already taken to the sea this month, braving the winter weather.

AP It is estimated that 181,000 economic migrants made the treacherous journey to Europe last year

In the latest reminder of the journey's perils, more than 100 people were missing off Libya's coast over the weekend after a migrant boat sunk. Some European leaders are warning of a fresh migration crisis when sea waters warm again and more people choose to put their lives in the hands of smugglers. Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, whose country holds the European Union's presidency, predicted: "Come next spring, the number of people crossing over the Mediterranean will reach record levels.”

”The choice is trying to do something now, or meeting urgently in April, May... and try to do a deal then." EU leaders are battling to stop the stem of migrants from reaching epic proportions once again. The 28-nation bloc already has a controversial deal to stem the flow of migrants from Turkey, which has agreed to try to stop the number of migrants leaving the country and to take back thousands more.

Getty Hundreds have already taken to the sea this month, braving the winter weather

In exchange, Turkey is supposed to receive billions of euros, visa-free travel for its citizens, and fast-tracked EU membership talks. And now the EU wants to adapt this outsourcing pact to the African nations that migrants are leaving or are jumping off from to reach Europe. It is the beginning of Europe’s tougher stance on accepting migrants - turning away those who take the central Mediterranean route to Italy. EU leaders believe that most of the men are job seekers who would be ineligible for asylum, according to insiders.

In exchange, Turkey is supposed to receive billions of euros, visa-free travel for its citizens, and fast-tracked EU membership talks. And now the EU wants to adapt this outsourcing pact to the African nations that migrants are leaving or are jumping off from to reach Europe. It is the beginning of Europe’s tougher stance on accepting migrants - turning away those who take the central Mediterranean route to Italy. EU leaders believe that most of the men are job seekers who would be ineligible for asylum, according to insiders.