The European Union is offering funds and aid to help France cope with growing numbers of migrants near the northern city of Calais.

It comes as thousands of migrants have been scaling fences near the Channel Tunnel linking France to Britain and boarding freight trains or trucks destined for the UK.

EU executive commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said that "we can provide technical assistance through the EU agencies and emergency funding" to France.

She said the border incidents are "another stark example for the need for a greater level of solidarity and responsibility" among EU member states.

The Commission wants all member countries to participate in a scheme to relocate thousands of refugees from Greece and Italy.

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