During the late thirties and World War II other refugees fled, particularly the Jews. Many of them took refuge in Italy and then couldn't go anywhere else. No one wanted them.
Rome is attempting to issue documents for the Libyan refugees so they can cross the French border. They are protesting the French actions. If an unexpected world event such as the Arab Spring that has brought revolution to the Arab world in 2011 caused an even bigger tumult along with a tidal wave of humans fleeing from one country to another it could showcase the fragile European Union.
Germany wants the EU to be about the euro and money. But it's leaving out the political part. It can no longer be ignored.