France calls for strong European response to stop migrants flows

France on Thursday asked its European partners to seek a coordinated answer to stop the flows of illegal migrants trying to reach Europe's doors in rickety boats and ended at the bottom of the Mediterranean.

"The tragedy which occurred yesterday demonstrates more than ever the need for a European mobilization to provide a strong, coordinated and comprehensive response to a challenge that concerns all of us," the foreign ministry said.

The Quai d'Orsay added Paris would assume its responsibility to protect its borders and stem illegal migrants without giving details on the French plan to keep away thousands of people who fled war and poverty in their native countries and dream for better life in the other rim of the Mediterranean.

More than 200 migrants were believed dead after a overcrowded fishing ship capsized and sank off Libya's coast on Wednesday.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 2,000 migrants and refugees have died so far this year in attempts to reach Europe by boat.