The European Commissioner responsible for home affairs, Cecilia Malmström, in a reaction to the Lampedusa migrants' tragedy, said today that a new approach was needed towards migration.

"The recent events have shown that this restrictive approach is not a sustainable one and that it is now time to move towards more openness and solidarity."

In comments while she accompanied EU Commission President Jose' Manuel Barroso on a visit to Lampedusa, the Commissioner said:

"I will never forget the sight of 280 coffins today. I will bear this with me for the rest of my life and I think they express something that we need to think about in the European Union, this isn't the European Union we want."

"The recent tragic events call for action at EU level. In order to prevent these tragedies we have to act in the short, medium and long term. In the short term we have to increase our search and rescue efforts."

"I propose to launch a wide search and rescue Frontex operation covering the Mediterranean from Cyprus to Spain. This will allow for better and quicker tracking, identifying and rescuing of boats and vessels."

"We also need a change of approach towards migration. The recent events have shown that this restrictive approach is not a sustainable one and that it is now time to move towards more openness and solidarity."

Mr Barroso said the problem in countries like Italy should be handled as whole Europe's problem.

"I believe that all of us together can react in the most suitable way to tragedies like this one. Europe cannot look the other way when boats are sinking and destroying lives and hopes."