By Alex Whiting LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A sudden surge in the numbers of people seeking refuge in Europe this year has European leaders grappling for answers to the crisis, and triggered both fear and compassion among European publics. WHY ARE MORE PEOPLE COMING TO EUROPE THIS YEAR? Although the number of people making the dangerous journey by sea from Libya to Italy has not changed significantly, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there has been a surge in numbers crossing the Mediterranean from Turkey to Greece - a much shorter and less treacherous journey.