A resolution calling for a holistic EU approach on migration in the Mediterranean has been adopted by the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament.

The resolution calls for sanctions for smugglers and human traffickers, and migration management agreements with third countries for cooperation and safe returns. It also calls for the strengthening of the border policy and security as well as enhancing the role of Frontex and EASO.

Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola, who was among the proponents, said:

"I am very pleased that this resolution has passed with such a good majority in Committee. It comes after weeks of tough negotiations with all political groups and focuses on the Mediterranean. It is essential that immigration is tackled within an all-encompassing approach that looks at every facet of the issue, including action against human trafficking, solidarity with Member States, asylum and relations with third countries in Africa. This is the only way forward.

The next step will be the vote in Plenary next week where I hope that MEPs will back the resolution."

In the first nine months of this year, more than 2500 people died trying to reach EU shores - a new record, according to Amnesty International.

Most of them travelled from Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia, crossing by boat from Libya to Italy and Malta.

During the same period, 163,000 people illegally crossed EU borders. Last year, this figure stood at 60,000.

The applications for asylum in the EU between January and July reached 231,000. This number was 173,000 in 2013.