The European Union has a duty to face up to the flood of migrants after a series of boat tragedies, the EU's foreign policy chief said Wednesday ahead of talks with top US officials.

"We know as Europeans we are living in one of the most complicated and dangerous places in the world today. We know we have a special responsibility in trying to prevent and face this crisis," EU high representative Federica Mogherini said as she met with US Secretary of State John Kerry.