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| Refugee crisis: Juncker unveils EU quota plan – as it happened | Refugee crisis: Juncker unveils EU quota plan – as it happened |
| (7 months later) | |
| 3.58pm BST | 3.58pm BST |
| 15:58 | 15:58 |
| This live blog has now closed. But you can read the latest report of the Balkan countries’ reaction to the refugee crisis from the Guardian’s migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, below. | This live blog has now closed. But you can read the latest report of the Balkan countries’ reaction to the refugee crisis from the Guardian’s migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, below. |
| These are the growing pains of a continent that once tried to ignore the biggest wave of mass-migration since the second world war, but which is increasingly having to work out ways of managing it. Even Hungary, two borders to the north, is having to change its approach on the ground – albeit to a far lesser extent. In terms of rhetoric, Hungary remains firmly opposed to refugees, although about 160,000 have crossed its borders so far this year. Notoriously, Hungary has even built a barbed-wire fence to stop them. | These are the growing pains of a continent that once tried to ignore the biggest wave of mass-migration since the second world war, but which is increasingly having to work out ways of managing it. Even Hungary, two borders to the north, is having to change its approach on the ground – albeit to a far lesser extent. In terms of rhetoric, Hungary remains firmly opposed to refugees, although about 160,000 have crossed its borders so far this year. Notoriously, Hungary has even built a barbed-wire fence to stop them. |
| But on the ground, the Hungarians have quietly had to adopt a more pragmatic response. After refugees entered the country anyway, using sleeping bags and clothes to blunt the fence’s barbs, the government began to allow thousands to cross through one specific point in the fence, instead of crossing in dribs and drabs along its entire length. | But on the ground, the Hungarians have quietly had to adopt a more pragmatic response. After refugees entered the country anyway, using sleeping bags and clothes to blunt the fence’s barbs, the government began to allow thousands to cross through one specific point in the fence, instead of crossing in dribs and drabs along its entire length. |
| 2.58pm BST | 2.58pm BST |
| 14:58 | 14:58 |
| Here’s a summary of the latest developments: | Here’s a summary of the latest developments: |
| 2.30pm BST | 2.30pm BST |
| 14:30 | 14:30 |
| The leaders of European countries most affected by the crisis, including Hungary’s anti-immigration prime minister Viktor Orban, have been summoned to the United Nations for a with the secretary general Ban Ki-moon. | The leaders of European countries most affected by the crisis, including Hungary’s anti-immigration prime minister Viktor Orban, have been summoned to the United Nations for a with the secretary general Ban Ki-moon. |
| The leaders of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia have been asked to discuss the arrival of refugees and migrants in Europe. | The leaders of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia have been asked to discuss the arrival of refugees and migrants in Europe. |
| In a statement from his office Ban “encouraged the European Union countries to live up to their obligations and the standards they have set.” | In a statement from his office Ban “encouraged the European Union countries to live up to their obligations and the standards they have set.” |
| In remarks that appeared to be aimed at Orban, he said “underlined the need for compassion and global solidarity, and applauded the inspiring examples that have been displayed all over Europe by private citizens and civil society.” | In remarks that appeared to be aimed at Orban, he said “underlined the need for compassion and global solidarity, and applauded the inspiring examples that have been displayed all over Europe by private citizens and civil society.” |
| The statement adds: The Secretary-General appealed to these leaders to be the voice of those in need of protection and to quickly find a joint approach to address their basic needs. As European leaders, their stand against increasing xenophobia, discrimination, and violence against migrants and refugees in Europe is particularly important. He hoped that any manifestation of these phenomena would be addressed firmly and without delay.” | The statement adds: The Secretary-General appealed to these leaders to be the voice of those in need of protection and to quickly find a joint approach to address their basic needs. As European leaders, their stand against increasing xenophobia, discrimination, and violence against migrants and refugees in Europe is particularly important. He hoped that any manifestation of these phenomena would be addressed firmly and without delay.” |
| 2.23pm BST | 2.23pm BST |
| 14:23 | 14:23 |
| Ian Traynor | Ian Traynor |
| Juncker’s speech was an attempt at “radically overhauling dysfunctional and fragmented immigration policies in Europe,” according to our Europe editor Ian Traynor. | Juncker’s speech was an attempt at “radically overhauling dysfunctional and fragmented immigration policies in Europe,” according to our Europe editor Ian Traynor. |
| In a major address to the European parliament in Strasbourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, called for root-and-branch reform of disparate immigration policies in the EU. He complained that national governments were failing to observe agreements on asylum procedures, and warned that several could be sanctioned. | In a major address to the European parliament in Strasbourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, called for root-and-branch reform of disparate immigration policies in the EU. He complained that national governments were failing to observe agreements on asylum procedures, and warned that several could be sanctioned. |
| Read the rest of Ian’s piece here. | Read the rest of Ian’s piece here. |
| 2.14pm BST | 2.14pm BST |
| 14:14 | 14:14 |
| Britain’s response to the refugee crisis gets the treatment from Taiwanese Animators. | Britain’s response to the refugee crisis gets the treatment from Taiwanese Animators. |
| It features a Winston Churchill getting English lessons on the distinction between migrants and refugees, and asylum seekers making their way through the Channel Tunnel on an EU elephant. | It features a Winston Churchill getting English lessons on the distinction between migrants and refugees, and asylum seekers making their way through the Channel Tunnel on an EU elephant. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.17pm BST | at 2.17pm BST |
| 2.04pm BST | 2.04pm BST |
| 14:04 | 14:04 |
| BBC producer Tony Brown has new footage of hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers walking into Serbia from Macedonia. | BBC producer Tony Brown has new footage of hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers walking into Serbia from Macedonia. |
| #refugees walk into Serbia from Macedonia. Young at the front, sick and elderly at the back @JamesEReynolds #BBCNEWS pic.twitter.com/ofSIAvj9DR | #refugees walk into Serbia from Macedonia. Young at the front, sick and elderly at the back @JamesEReynolds #BBCNEWS pic.twitter.com/ofSIAvj9DR |
| 2.00pm BST | 2.00pm BST |
| 14:00 | 14:00 |
| New figures from the UNHCR puts Juncker’s quota plan into humbling context. | New figures from the UNHCR puts Juncker’s quota plan into humbling context. |
| The 160,000 refugees the EU is proposing to resettle represent less than 4% of the more than 4 million refugees in countries neighbouring Syria. | The 160,000 refugees the EU is proposing to resettle represent less than 4% of the more than 4 million refugees in countries neighbouring Syria. |
| New data: #Syria’s neighbours are buckling under the strain. Other countries must play their part in refugee crisis pic.twitter.com/MPelALFk4o | New data: #Syria’s neighbours are buckling under the strain. Other countries must play their part in refugee crisis pic.twitter.com/MPelALFk4o |
| 1.50pm BST | 1.50pm BST |
| 13:50 | 13:50 |
| Turkey has attacked the “ridiculously” meagre response of Europe to the refugee crisis and criticised Hungary for using religion as rationale for its anti immigration policies. | Turkey has attacked the “ridiculously” meagre response of Europe to the refugee crisis and criticised Hungary for using religion as rationale for its anti immigration policies. |
| In an article for the Guardian, Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, compared to Turkey, the west’s response to the crisis made “the concept of burden-sharing has become a meaningless catchphrase.” | In an article for the Guardian, Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, compared to Turkey, the west’s response to the crisis made “the concept of burden-sharing has become a meaningless catchphrase.” |
| Davutoglu delivered a thinly disguised attack on Hungary’s hardline prime minister, Viktor Orban, who last week warned that Europe’s Christian identity was under threat from the crisis, and has vowed to push ahead with the construction of border fence. | Davutoglu delivered a thinly disguised attack on Hungary’s hardline prime minister, Viktor Orban, who last week warned that Europe’s Christian identity was under threat from the crisis, and has vowed to push ahead with the construction of border fence. |
| He said: “In the ongoing cacophony, those voices that advocate for more walls and barbed wire are gaining strength. Some European leaders, as if to suggest that nothing can be learned from history, are even invoking Christianity as a rallying cry to keep refuge-seekers out.” | He said: “In the ongoing cacophony, those voices that advocate for more walls and barbed wire are gaining strength. Some European leaders, as if to suggest that nothing can be learned from history, are even invoking Christianity as a rallying cry to keep refuge-seekers out.” |
| He added: “The Turkish people have made huge sacrifices in hosting more than 2 million Syrians and Iraqis. By so doing, we have damped the mass influx to the EU and effectively become a buffer between chaos and Europe. Meanwhile, EU member states account for ridiculously low shares in the global resettlement rates. | He added: “The Turkish people have made huge sacrifices in hosting more than 2 million Syrians and Iraqis. By so doing, we have damped the mass influx to the EU and effectively become a buffer between chaos and Europe. Meanwhile, EU member states account for ridiculously low shares in the global resettlement rates. |
| “It is high time for Europe to look in the mirror, be honest about what it sees in the reflection, to stop procrastinating and start assuming more than its fair share of the burden. Radical politicians must not be allowed to pull the wool over the eyes of the European people. | “It is high time for Europe to look in the mirror, be honest about what it sees in the reflection, to stop procrastinating and start assuming more than its fair share of the burden. Radical politicians must not be allowed to pull the wool over the eyes of the European people. |
| “And if morality is not a good enough reason to tackle this issue in a humane way, it should be borne in mind that the highest wall or the sharpest barbed wire will not turn this tide around. We need meaningful, humane and sustainable solutions, and we need them now.” | “And if morality is not a good enough reason to tackle this issue in a humane way, it should be borne in mind that the highest wall or the sharpest barbed wire will not turn this tide around. We need meaningful, humane and sustainable solutions, and we need them now.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.56pm BST | at 2.56pm BST |
| 12.50pm BST | 12.50pm BST |
| 12:50 | 12:50 |
| Up to 500 people broke through police lines in Hungary near the main crossing point from Serbia, AFP reporters at the scene said. | Up to 500 people broke through police lines in Hungary near the main crossing point from Serbia, AFP reporters at the scene said. |
| The break-out took place near the flashpoint town of Roszke where migrants have to wait at a collection point before being taken to a nearby centre for registration. | The break-out took place near the flashpoint town of Roszke where migrants have to wait at a collection point before being taken to a nearby centre for registration. |
| Shouting “No camp!” they scattered in all directions, some heading for a nearby motorway leading to Budapest, which police then temporarily closed down. | Shouting “No camp!” they scattered in all directions, some heading for a nearby motorway leading to Budapest, which police then temporarily closed down. |
| The M5 motorway was later re-opened after a majority of the migrants agreed to be taken to a nearby refugee camp. | The M5 motorway was later re-opened after a majority of the migrants agreed to be taken to a nearby refugee camp. |
| Only small groups of people continued to walk down the motorway, according to local media. | Only small groups of people continued to walk down the motorway, according to local media. |
| It was the latest in a series of tense confrontations between police and desperate migrants and refugees as the Hungarian authorities struggle to cope with thousands of new arrivals every day. | It was the latest in a series of tense confrontations between police and desperate migrants and refugees as the Hungarian authorities struggle to cope with thousands of new arrivals every day. |
| Hungarian police stop a family from running north, emotionally difficult for refugees and officers both pic.twitter.com/A7OsnL5bbs | Hungarian police stop a family from running north, emotionally difficult for refugees and officers both pic.twitter.com/A7OsnL5bbs |
| 12.41pm BST | 12.41pm BST |
| 12:41 | 12:41 |
| UK confirms opt out from refugee quotas | UK confirms opt out from refugee quotas |
| Frances Perraudin | Frances Perraudin |
| The UK, Denmark and Ireland are allowed to opt out of the quota scheme. Downing Street has made it clear it has no plans to opt in following Juncker’s speech. | The UK, Denmark and Ireland are allowed to opt out of the quota scheme. Downing Street has made it clear it has no plans to opt in following Juncker’s speech. |
| The Guardian’s Westminister reporter Frances Perraudin has just returned from a briefing by the prime minister’s spokeswoman. | The Guardian’s Westminister reporter Frances Perraudin has just returned from a briefing by the prime minister’s spokeswoman. |
| Responding to Juncker’s speech, the spokeswoman said: | Responding to Juncker’s speech, the spokeswoman said: |
| On the detail around migration there’s a number of proposals I think he’s outlined. I understand the European Commission is due to put those forward more formally this afternoon. We will need to look at those and analyse them... | On the detail around migration there’s a number of proposals I think he’s outlined. I understand the European Commission is due to put those forward more formally this afternoon. We will need to look at those and analyse them... |
| The point I’d make is that the UK is already playing its part and – in terms of a financial contribution to tackling the refugee crisis from Syria – we are the leading donor nation on that... In terms of any relocation, we have already been clear on our position on that, which is that we are not bound by it and we are going to focus our efforts on resettlement. | The point I’d make is that the UK is already playing its part and – in terms of a financial contribution to tackling the refugee crisis from Syria – we are the leading donor nation on that... In terms of any relocation, we have already been clear on our position on that, which is that we are not bound by it and we are going to focus our efforts on resettlement. |
| We’ve already announced that we’re going to take 20,000 more refugees in the coming years in addition to the thousands that we were already preparing to accept. | We’ve already announced that we’re going to take 20,000 more refugees in the coming years in addition to the thousands that we were already preparing to accept. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.42pm BST | at 12.42pm BST |
| 12.30pm BST | 12.30pm BST |
| 12:30 | 12:30 |
| Here’s a summary of the key points and passages from Juncker’s speech as it was delivered. | Here’s a summary of the key points and passages from Juncker’s speech as it was delivered. |
| An admission of failure | An admission of failure |
| I don’t want to get despondent, but Europe is not in good shape ... We have collectively committed to resettling over 22,000 people from outside of Europe over the next year, showing solidarity with our neighbours. Of course, this remains too modest in comparison to the Herculean efforts undertaken by Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, who are hosting over 4 million Syrian refugees. | I don’t want to get despondent, but Europe is not in good shape ... We have collectively committed to resettling over 22,000 people from outside of Europe over the next year, showing solidarity with our neighbours. Of course, this remains too modest in comparison to the Herculean efforts undertaken by Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, who are hosting over 4 million Syrian refugees. |
| Binding quotas to relocate 160,00 refugees | Binding quotas to relocate 160,00 refugees |
| We are proposing a second emergency mechanism to relocate a further 120,000 from Italy, Greece and Hungary [in addition to 40,000 agreed in May]. This has to be done in a compulsory way. | We are proposing a second emergency mechanism to relocate a further 120,000 from Italy, Greece and Hungary [in addition to 40,000 agreed in May]. This has to be done in a compulsory way. |
| Call to allow asylum seekers to work | Call to allow asylum seekers to work |
| I am strongly in favour of allowing asylum seekers to work and earn their own money whilst their applications are being processed. Labour, work, being in a job is a matter of dignity ... so we should do everything to change our national legislation in order to allow refugees, migrants, to work since day one of their arrival in Europe. | I am strongly in favour of allowing asylum seekers to work and earn their own money whilst their applications are being processed. Labour, work, being in a job is a matter of dignity ... so we should do everything to change our national legislation in order to allow refugees, migrants, to work since day one of their arrival in Europe. |
| Call to scrap the Dublin system | Call to scrap the Dublin system |
| It is time we prepare a more fundamental change in the way we deal with asylum applications – and notably the Dublin system that requires that asylum applications be dealt with by the first country of entry. | It is time we prepare a more fundamental change in the way we deal with asylum applications – and notably the Dublin system that requires that asylum applications be dealt with by the first country of entry. |
| Fast tracking asylum with safe countries system | Fast tracking asylum with safe countries system |
| The Commission is proposing a common EU list of safe countries of origin. This list will enable Member States to fast track asylum procedures for nationals of countries that are presumed safe to live in. This presumption of safety must in our view certainly apply to all countries which the European Council unanimously decided meet the basic Copenhagen criteria for EU membership – notably as regards democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. It should also apply to the other potential candidate countries on the Western Balkans, in view of their progress made towards candidate status. | The Commission is proposing a common EU list of safe countries of origin. This list will enable Member States to fast track asylum procedures for nationals of countries that are presumed safe to live in. This presumption of safety must in our view certainly apply to all countries which the European Council unanimously decided meet the basic Copenhagen criteria for EU membership – notably as regards democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. It should also apply to the other potential candidate countries on the Western Balkans, in view of their progress made towards candidate status. |
| Snipes at Hungary | Snipes at Hungary |
| We Europeans should remember well that Europe is a continent where nearly everyone has at one time been a refugee ... Hungarian revolutionaries fleeing to Austria after their uprising against communist rule was oppressed by Soviet tanks in 1956. | We Europeans should remember well that Europe is a continent where nearly everyone has at one time been a refugee ... Hungarian revolutionaries fleeing to Austria after their uprising against communist rule was oppressed by Soviet tanks in 1956. |
| We can build walls, we can build fences. But imagine for a second it were you, your child in your arms, the world you knew torn apart around you. There is no price you would not pay, there is no wall you would not climb, no sea you would not sail, no border you would not cross if it is war or the barbarism of the so-called Islamic State that you are fleeing. | We can build walls, we can build fences. But imagine for a second it were you, your child in your arms, the world you knew torn apart around you. There is no price you would not pay, there is no wall you would not climb, no sea you would not sail, no border you would not cross if it is war or the barbarism of the so-called Islamic State that you are fleeing. |
| Opening legal channels for new arrivals | Opening legal channels for new arrivals |
| Let us not forget, we are an ageing continent in demographic decline. We will be needing talent. Over time, migration must change from a problem to be tackled to a well-managed resource. To this end,the Commission will come forward with a well-designed legal migration package in early 2016. | Let us not forget, we are an ageing continent in demographic decline. We will be needing talent. Over time, migration must change from a problem to be tackled to a well-managed resource. To this end,the Commission will come forward with a well-designed legal migration package in early 2016. |
| New European border force | New European border force |
| We need to strengthen Frontex significantly and develop it into a fully operational European border and coast guard system. It is certainly feasible. But it will cost money. The Commission believes this is money well invested. This is why we will propose ambitious steps towards a European Border and Coast Guard before the end of the year. | We need to strengthen Frontex significantly and develop it into a fully operational European border and coast guard system. It is certainly feasible. But it will cost money. The Commission believes this is money well invested. This is why we will propose ambitious steps towards a European Border and Coast Guard before the end of the year. |
| Appeal against bigotry | Appeal against bigotry |
| Europe has made make the mistake in the past of distinguishing between Jews, Christians, Muslims. There is no religion, no belief, no philosophy when it comes to refugees. | Europe has made make the mistake in the past of distinguishing between Jews, Christians, Muslims. There is no religion, no belief, no philosophy when it comes to refugees. |
| 12.02pm BST | 12.02pm BST |
| 12:02 | 12:02 |
| Angelique Chrisafis | Angelique Chrisafis |
| The first 200 refugees arrived in France from Munich today, as France prepares to bus 1,000 Syrians, Iraqis and Eritreans from Germany this week, writes our Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis. | The first 200 refugees arrived in France from Munich today, as France prepares to bus 1,000 Syrians, Iraqis and Eritreans from Germany this week, writes our Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis. |
| But there has been controversy after some French town-halls said they would take only Christian refugees. | But there has been controversy after some French town-halls said they would take only Christian refugees. |
| This week, the mayor of Roanne, who belongs to Nicolas Sarkozy’s right-wing party Les Républicains, said he would only accept Christian Syrians so he could “be absolutely certan that they aren’t terrorists in disguise.” Then the mayor of Belfort, from the same party, responded to the government’s appeal for towns to house refugees saying his town would take only Christian Iraqi or Christian Syrian families “because they are the most persecuted.” | This week, the mayor of Roanne, who belongs to Nicolas Sarkozy’s right-wing party Les Républicains, said he would only accept Christian Syrians so he could “be absolutely certan that they aren’t terrorists in disguise.” Then the mayor of Belfort, from the same party, responded to the government’s appeal for towns to house refugees saying his town would take only Christian Iraqi or Christian Syrian families “because they are the most persecuted.” |
| Last night, the town council of Charvieu-Chavagneux near Lyon said it would only take a Christian family because Christians “don’t put people’s security in danger.” | Last night, the town council of Charvieu-Chavagneux near Lyon said it would only take a Christian family because Christians “don’t put people’s security in danger.” |
| The government reacted furiously. The Socialist prime minister Manuel Valls said: “We don’t select on the basis of religion. The right to asylum is a universal right.” The interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said it would be “macabre” to make a distinction by religion. The French Bishops’ Conference said distinguishing a person’s faith would be “totally contrary to the spirit of religions”. | The government reacted furiously. The Socialist prime minister Manuel Valls said: “We don’t select on the basis of religion. The right to asylum is a universal right.” The interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said it would be “macabre” to make a distinction by religion. The French Bishops’ Conference said distinguishing a person’s faith would be “totally contrary to the spirit of religions”. |
| In his speech today EU president Jean-Claude Juncker urged Europe not to make religious distinctions about refugees. He said: “Europe has made make the mistake in the past of distinguishing between Jews, Christians, Muslims. There is no religion, no belief, no philosophy when it comes to refugees.” | In his speech today EU president Jean-Claude Juncker urged Europe not to make religious distinctions about refugees. He said: “Europe has made make the mistake in the past of distinguishing between Jews, Christians, Muslims. There is no religion, no belief, no philosophy when it comes to refugees.” |
| 11.56am BST | 11.56am BST |
| 11:56 | 11:56 |
| Juncker beefed up his speech | Juncker beefed up his speech |
| In the actual speech that Juncker delivered he went further than the text released by the Commission. | In the actual speech that Juncker delivered he went further than the text released by the Commission. |
| He stuck to the text by stating “We are proposing a second emergency mechanism to relocate a further 120,000 from Italy, Greece and Hungary.” | He stuck to the text by stating “We are proposing a second emergency mechanism to relocate a further 120,000 from Italy, Greece and Hungary.” |
| But then he inserted the words “This has to be done in a compulsory way.” | But then he inserted the words “This has to be done in a compulsory way.” |
| Listening again to an audio of Juncker’s words compared to the text reveals that he also beefed up the speech in other sections. He said Europe’s response to the crisis had “too modest” rather than “very modest”. | Listening again to an audio of Juncker’s words compared to the text reveals that he also beefed up the speech in other sections. He said Europe’s response to the crisis had “too modest” rather than “very modest”. |
| He also inserted this passage: “I really hope that this time everyone will be on board. No poems, no rhetoric, action is what is needed.” | He also inserted this passage: “I really hope that this time everyone will be on board. No poems, no rhetoric, action is what is needed.” |
| And after the passage about saying he favoured allowing asylum seekers to work, Juncker added this passage: “Labour, work, being in a job is a matter of dignity ... so we should do everything to change our national legislation in order to allow refugees, migrants, to work since day one of their arrival in Europe.” This is flatly opposed by the British government. | And after the passage about saying he favoured allowing asylum seekers to work, Juncker added this passage: “Labour, work, being in a job is a matter of dignity ... so we should do everything to change our national legislation in order to allow refugees, migrants, to work since day one of their arrival in Europe.” This is flatly opposed by the British government. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.58am BST | at 11.58am BST |
| 11.12am BST | 11.12am BST |
| 11:12 | 11:12 |
| The UNHCR has put together a video of Syrian refugees expressing frustration about their treatment in Hungary. The agency is calling on Hungary to improve its treatment of asylum seekers. | The UNHCR has put together a video of Syrian refugees expressing frustration about their treatment in Hungary. The agency is calling on Hungary to improve its treatment of asylum seekers. |
| The video show people repeatedly breaking through police lines at the boarder with Serbia. | The video show people repeatedly breaking through police lines at the boarder with Serbia. |
| 11.00am BST | 11.00am BST |
| 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Full text of Juncker's speech | Full text of Juncker's speech |
| Juncker’s office has published the full text of his speech (minus the quip about finger painting). | Juncker’s office has published the full text of his speech (minus the quip about finger painting). |
| It has also published his letter of intent which confirms plans to revise the blue card directive or work permit arrangements. | It has also published his letter of intent which confirms plans to revise the blue card directive or work permit arrangements. |
| In his speech Juncker said: “I am strongly in favour of allowing asylum seekers to work and earn their own money whilst their applications are being processed.” | In his speech Juncker said: “I am strongly in favour of allowing asylum seekers to work and earn their own money whilst their applications are being processed.” |
| My letter of intent to @MartinSchulz and @Xavier_Bettel #SOTEU #CWP2016 http://t.co/XDGe5VKMoZ | My letter of intent to @MartinSchulz and @Xavier_Bettel #SOTEU #CWP2016 http://t.co/XDGe5VKMoZ |
| 10.49am BST | 10.49am BST |
| 10:49 | 10:49 |
| Here’s confirmation of the quotas for individual member states. | Here’s confirmation of the quotas for individual member states. |
| Those migrant quotas by country. (Ireland, which has opt-out, says it will accept at least 600 relocated migrants.) pic.twitter.com/0DAwjBgHCE | Those migrant quotas by country. (Ireland, which has opt-out, says it will accept at least 600 relocated migrants.) pic.twitter.com/0DAwjBgHCE |
| 10.37am BST | 10.37am BST |
| 10:37 | 10:37 |
| The European Commission has presented a seven-point plan to respond to refugee crisis. | The European Commission has presented a seven-point plan to respond to refugee crisis. |
| Here’s the full text: | Here’s the full text: |
| 10.27am BST | 10.27am BST |
| 10:27 | 10:27 |
| There have been more chaotic scenes at Hungary’s border with Serbia despite the UN’s call for an improvement in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. | There have been more chaotic scenes at Hungary’s border with Serbia despite the UN’s call for an improvement in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. |
| During a lull in tensions on Tuesday a children was photographed offering a policeman a biscuit. | During a lull in tensions on Tuesday a children was photographed offering a policeman a biscuit. |
| During standoff on railway tracks near Szeged, a young refugee offers a cookie to a Hungarian police officer. pic.twitter.com/lso7Z9LQ60 | During standoff on railway tracks near Szeged, a young refugee offers a cookie to a Hungarian police officer. pic.twitter.com/lso7Z9LQ60 |