A summer of “high migration pressure” in the central Mediterranean has been predicted by the EU’s border agency Frontex, whose intelligence points to thousands of migrants in Libya waiting to cross to Europe.

Intelligence gathered during interviews with asylum seekers suggests that migrants are gathering in increasing numbers in Libya, a Frontex report says.

This is coupled with growing political instability in Egypt, prompting the agency to say that “the migration pressure in the central Mediterranean region is likely to remain at a high level”.

Most migrants who flee Libya end up in Lampedusa or Sicily but many find their way to Malta. The country was severely affected last year, with 2,008 reaching its shores.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is due to meet new Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Thursday, with migration expected to top the agenda.

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