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| Refugee crisis: Juncker unveils EU quota plan – live updates | Refugee crisis: Juncker unveils EU quota plan – live updates |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| 12.30pm BST12:30 | |
| Here’s a summary of the key points and passages from Juncker’s speech as it was delivered. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 BST12:02 | |
| 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. | |
| 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.” | |
| 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.” | |
| 11.56am BST11:56 | |
| Juncker beefed up his speech | |
| 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.” | |
| 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”. | |
| 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. | |
| Updated at 11.58am BST | |
| 11.12am BST11:12 | 11.12am BST11:12 |
| 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 BST11:00 | 11.00am BST11:00 |
| 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 BST10:49 | 10.49am BST10:49 |
| 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 BST10:37 | 10.37am BST10:37 |
| 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 BST10:27 | 10.27am BST10:27 |
| 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 |
| 10.17am BST10:17 | 10.17am BST10:17 |
| A British MEP has made a hardline anti-immigration speech on the same platform as France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen. | A British MEP has made a hardline anti-immigration speech on the same platform as France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen. |
| Speaking alongside Le Pen at today’s Europe of Nations and Freedom press conference former Ukip member and now independent MEP, Janice Atkinson, said: “I am honoured to sit alongside Marine Le Pen of France and my partners in the Europe of Nations and Freedom group.” | Speaking alongside Le Pen at today’s Europe of Nations and Freedom press conference former Ukip member and now independent MEP, Janice Atkinson, said: “I am honoured to sit alongside Marine Le Pen of France and my partners in the Europe of Nations and Freedom group.” |
| She added: “Nobody voted for illegal immigration. Plenty of people voted to put us here to oppose it. The hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants overwhelming our borders and our capacities to cope are exactly that - illegal.” | She added: “Nobody voted for illegal immigration. Plenty of people voted to put us here to oppose it. The hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants overwhelming our borders and our capacities to cope are exactly that - illegal.” |
| “Let’s be clear about another thing: despite what the human rights industry and the massed ranks of taxpayer-funded charities and lobby-groups repeat, this is not a refugee crisis but a massive crisis of illegal immigration which must be resisted for what it is.” | “Let’s be clear about another thing: despite what the human rights industry and the massed ranks of taxpayer-funded charities and lobby-groups repeat, this is not a refugee crisis but a massive crisis of illegal immigration which must be resisted for what it is.” |
| She insisted even those who had fled Syria were illegal immigrants. | She insisted even those who had fled Syria were illegal immigrants. |
| A man who leaves Syria may be a refugee at the start of the journey. When he is illegally living in Calais and illegally attempting to enter Britain, he is an economic migrant and an illegal immigrant,” Akinson said. | A man who leaves Syria may be a refugee at the start of the journey. When he is illegally living in Calais and illegally attempting to enter Britain, he is an economic migrant and an illegal immigrant,” Akinson said. |
| She went on to attack Europe’s response. “The Europe Commission is complicit in the crisis. The national governments of Europe are compIicit in the crisis. Only we who answer to voters, not to Brussels, can offer the strength of opposition this crisis requires.” | She went on to attack Europe’s response. “The Europe Commission is complicit in the crisis. The national governments of Europe are compIicit in the crisis. Only we who answer to voters, not to Brussels, can offer the strength of opposition this crisis requires.” |
| 10.03am BST10:03 | 10.03am BST10:03 |
| To accompany Juncker’s speech the EU Commission has published the key points of the EU’s response to the migration crisis, plus more details about future plans. | To accompany Juncker’s speech the EU Commission has published the key points of the EU’s response to the migration crisis, plus more details about future plans. |
| Here’s the full text: | Here’s the full text: |
| Migration and refugee movements form one of the biggest challenges the EU is facing. The number of asylum applicants registered across the EU has increased by 44% from 435,000 in 2013 to 626,000 in 2014. There has been a major increase of irregular border crossings, in the first 5 months of 2015 over 153,000 migrants were detected at Europe’s external borders. This represents a 149% increase when compared to the same period in 2014. | Migration and refugee movements form one of the biggest challenges the EU is facing. The number of asylum applicants registered across the EU has increased by 44% from 435,000 in 2013 to 626,000 in 2014. There has been a major increase of irregular border crossings, in the first 5 months of 2015 over 153,000 migrants were detected at Europe’s external borders. This represents a 149% increase when compared to the same period in 2014. |
| We have taken action to provide a European response. In May, the Commission presented the European Agenda on Migration and implemented its first measures. We have taken swift measures to alleviate the crisis. We clamped down on smugglers networks. With Member States’ assets we have tripled European presence in the Mediterranean enabling the rescue of over 120,000 people. | We have taken action to provide a European response. In May, the Commission presented the European Agenda on Migration and implemented its first measures. We have taken swift measures to alleviate the crisis. We clamped down on smugglers networks. With Member States’ assets we have tripled European presence in the Mediterranean enabling the rescue of over 120,000 people. |
| The Commission acted swiftly and repeatedly stressed that a European approach was essential. Every day, refugees are arriving at our shores and borders. The need for ambitious EU action based on shared solidarity and responsibility is clear. | The Commission acted swiftly and repeatedly stressed that a European approach was essential. Every day, refugees are arriving at our shores and borders. The need for ambitious EU action based on shared solidarity and responsibility is clear. |
| In May 2015, we proposed to assist Italy and Greece by relocating 40,000 people who have arrived on their shores to other Member States for processing asylum applications. Member States have endorsed our proposals to resettle people from refugee camps outside the EU, and we will soon resettle more than 22,000 refugees. | In May 2015, we proposed to assist Italy and Greece by relocating 40,000 people who have arrived on their shores to other Member States for processing asylum applications. Member States have endorsed our proposals to resettle people from refugee camps outside the EU, and we will soon resettle more than 22,000 refugees. |
| We must go further. To deal with the emergency nature of the current refugee crisis, on 9 September 2015 we proposed to relocate an additional 120,000 refugees from Italy, Greece and Hungary. This is part of a broader package of measures including a list of safe countries of origin, a permanent relocation mechanism to be automatically triggered in future emergency situations, and diplomatic action to stabilise the countries refugees are fleeing. | We must go further. To deal with the emergency nature of the current refugee crisis, on 9 September 2015 we proposed to relocate an additional 120,000 refugees from Italy, Greece and Hungary. This is part of a broader package of measures including a list of safe countries of origin, a permanent relocation mechanism to be automatically triggered in future emergency situations, and diplomatic action to stabilise the countries refugees are fleeing. |
| We have doubled the emergency funding to assist the most affected Member States from €25 million to €50 million a year. In our new ‘Hotspots’ approach, EU agencies work on the ground with national authorities to swiftly identify, register and fingerprint incoming refugees. This also allows us to swiftly return all those who do not require international protection. | We have doubled the emergency funding to assist the most affected Member States from €25 million to €50 million a year. In our new ‘Hotspots’ approach, EU agencies work on the ground with national authorities to swiftly identify, register and fingerprint incoming refugees. This also allows us to swiftly return all those who do not require international protection. |
| The Commission proposed an Action Plan to step up investigation and prosecution of criminal networks of smugglers, and a Common Security and Defence Policy operation to gather intelligence and in a second phase to intercept and destroy smugglers’ vessels. | The Commission proposed an Action Plan to step up investigation and prosecution of criminal networks of smugglers, and a Common Security and Defence Policy operation to gather intelligence and in a second phase to intercept and destroy smugglers’ vessels. |
| Partnerships with countries of origin and transit are essential to contribute to development opportunities and assistance. To this end, the EU will be deploying migration liaison officers in EU Delegations, and will offer €96.8 billion in EU external cooperation assistance for 2014-2020. | Partnerships with countries of origin and transit are essential to contribute to development opportunities and assistance. To this end, the EU will be deploying migration liaison officers in EU Delegations, and will offer €96.8 billion in EU external cooperation assistance for 2014-2020. |
| 9.55am BST09:55 | 9.55am BST09:55 |
| Ian Traynor | Ian Traynor |
| It was not a soaring speech, but in substance it was rather radical, writes Ian Traynor in his first take on Juncker’s speech. | It was not a soaring speech, but in substance it was rather radical, writes Ian Traynor in his first take on Juncker’s speech. |
| Juncker was actually demanding a new fully-fledged European asylum and immigration regime. In addition to the well-flagged relocation system 160,000 refugees, he also set out new permanent emergency instruments for compulsory sharing. And there is a renewed border control force plus new legal migration channels. | Juncker was actually demanding a new fully-fledged European asylum and immigration regime. In addition to the well-flagged relocation system 160,000 refugees, he also set out new permanent emergency instruments for compulsory sharing. And there is a renewed border control force plus new legal migration channels. |
| 9.48am BST09:48 | 9.48am BST09:48 |
| Ukip apart, the initial response to Juncker’s speech has been largely positive. | Ukip apart, the initial response to Juncker’s speech has been largely positive. |
| The #win of the day : the man who took this picture #SOTEU pic.twitter.com/APbtBLZlkf | The #win of the day : the man who took this picture #SOTEU pic.twitter.com/APbtBLZlkf |
| Eurozone analysis Yannis Koutsomitis wonders how Juncker will convince Visegrad doubters [the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia]. | Eurozone analysis Yannis Koutsomitis wonders how Juncker will convince Visegrad doubters [the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia]. |
| Overall strong speech by @JunckerEU. Very positive on #Eurozone intergration & #refugeecrisis. No word thou on how he will convince Visegrad | Overall strong speech by @JunckerEU. Very positive on #Eurozone intergration & #refugeecrisis. No word thou on how he will convince Visegrad |
| Andrew Harper of the UNHCR picks out his favourite passage. | Andrew Harper of the UNHCR picks out his favourite passage. |
| “@AuraSalla: "There is no religion, no belief, no philosophy when it comes to saving refugees. These are human beings." @JunckerEU #SOTEU” | “@AuraSalla: "There is no religion, no belief, no philosophy when it comes to saving refugees. These are human beings." @JunckerEU #SOTEU” |
| Will Straw, the executive director of Britain’s In Campaign, was worried about talk of “more Europe”. | Will Straw, the executive director of Britain’s In Campaign, was worried about talk of “more Europe”. |
| Juncker right to call for EU-wide action to tackle migration crisis on our shores, but that should not mean 'more Europe' as he puts it. | Juncker right to call for EU-wide action to tackle migration crisis on our shores, but that should not mean 'more Europe' as he puts it. |
| 9.30am BST09:30 | 9.30am BST09:30 |
| Whether you are a refugee or supporting refugees share your experiences, photos or videos with us by clicking on the GuardianWitness ‘contribute’ buttons on the top of this blog, filling in our form, or via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 | Whether you are a refugee or supporting refugees share your experiences, photos or videos with us by clicking on the GuardianWitness ‘contribute’ buttons on the top of this blog, filling in our form, or via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 |
| 9.26am BST09:26 | 9.26am BST09:26 |
| Meanwhile on Hungary’s border with Serbia, there’s a stand off between police and those trying to cross the border, according to video from the BBC’s Anna Holligan. | Meanwhile on Hungary’s border with Serbia, there’s a stand off between police and those trying to cross the border, according to video from the BBC’s Anna Holligan. |
| Police reinforcements arrive - stand off continues #refugees pic.twitter.com/mpJtN1XvAD | Police reinforcements arrive - stand off continues #refugees pic.twitter.com/mpJtN1XvAD |
| 9.22am BST09:22 | 9.22am BST09:22 |
| That first heckle, which Juncker dismissed as “worthless rubbish” was from Ukip leader Nigel Farage, according to the Guardian’s Europe editor Ian Traynor. | That first heckle, which Juncker dismissed as “worthless rubbish” was from Ukip leader Nigel Farage, according to the Guardian’s Europe editor Ian Traynor. |
| #SOTEU @JunckerEU first heckle from @Nigel_Farage. @JunckerEU won't respond to 'rubbish'. first applause | #SOTEU @JunckerEU first heckle from @Nigel_Farage. @JunckerEU won't respond to 'rubbish'. first applause |
| Ukip was alarmed by Juncker’s pro-migration speech. Patrick O’Flynn, one of its MEP, picked out Juncker’s suggestion of scraping the system of applying for asylum in the country of entry. | Ukip was alarmed by Juncker’s pro-migration speech. Patrick O’Flynn, one of its MEP, picked out Juncker’s suggestion of scraping the system of applying for asylum in the country of entry. |
| Juncker raising prospect of abandoning Dublin rules that asylum must be claimed in first safe country. Terrible idea. #SOTEU | Juncker raising prospect of abandoning Dublin rules that asylum must be claimed in first safe country. Terrible idea. #SOTEU |
| 9.09am BST09:09 | 9.09am BST09:09 |
| Juncker humour... | Juncker humour... |
| In the segment of his speech about European nations blaming each other for the crisis, Juncker made this bizarre joke. | In the segment of his speech about European nations blaming each other for the crisis, Juncker made this bizarre joke. |
| “There has been a lot of finger pointing. Not enough finger painting, but too much finger pointing in the past weeks,” he said. | “There has been a lot of finger pointing. Not enough finger painting, but too much finger pointing in the past weeks,” he said. |
| Laurence Norman explains the joke. He says finger painting is a reference to the process of registering asylum claims when finger prints are taken. | Laurence Norman explains the joke. He says finger painting is a reference to the process of registering asylum claims when finger prints are taken. |
| Classic @JunckerEU. Too much finger-pointing, not enough finger-painting (registration) on #migration crisis. #europe | Classic @JunckerEU. Too much finger-pointing, not enough finger-painting (registration) on #migration crisis. #europe |
| Updated at 9.13am BST | Updated at 9.13am BST |
| 8.57am BST08:57 | 8.57am BST08:57 |
| Juncker turns to foreign policy. He says the EU wants to help stabilise north Africa and appeals for funding to help. “Turning back boats is not Europe,” he says. He applauds the welcome given to refugees in Munich. | Juncker turns to foreign policy. He says the EU wants to help stabilise north Africa and appeals for funding to help. “Turning back boats is not Europe,” he says. He applauds the welcome given to refugees in Munich. |
| Juncker starts speaking in French again to cover other aspects of his speech starting with the fraught subject of Greece’s debt crisis. | Juncker starts speaking in French again to cover other aspects of his speech starting with the fraught subject of Greece’s debt crisis. |
| 8.51am BST08:51 | 8.51am BST08:51 |
| Juncker insists that the Schengen system of free movement will not be dismantled. But Europe’s continental borders will need to strengthened. “We need to strengthen Frontex [the EU’s border agency] but this will cost money,” he adds. | Juncker insists that the Schengen system of free movement will not be dismantled. But Europe’s continental borders will need to strengthened. “We need to strengthen Frontex [the EU’s border agency] but this will cost money,” he adds. |
| But Juncker also talks of “opening legal channels for migration”. He says: “We can manage migration better ... lets not forget we are an ageing continent.” Over time migration will change from a problem to well-managed resource, he adds. | But Juncker also talks of “opening legal channels for migration”. He says: “We can manage migration better ... lets not forget we are an ageing continent.” Over time migration will change from a problem to well-managed resource, he adds. |
| The commission tweets one of Juncker’s opening soundbites. | The commission tweets one of Juncker’s opening soundbites. |
| "We need more Europe in our asylum policy. We need more Union in our #refugee policy" @JunckerEU on #refugeescrisis. pic.twitter.com/bqVFlxg28Y | "We need more Europe in our asylum policy. We need more Union in our #refugee policy" @JunckerEU on #refugeescrisis. pic.twitter.com/bqVFlxg28Y |
| Updated at 8.51am BST | Updated at 8.51am BST |
| 8.46am BST08:46 | 8.46am BST08:46 |
| Juncker warns that winter is approach. “Do we really want people sleeping in the railway station in Budapest, or tents in Kos?” he asks. A list of safe countries in the Europe will help fast track the asylum system, Juncker says. | Juncker warns that winter is approach. “Do we really want people sleeping in the railway station in Budapest, or tents in Kos?” he asks. A list of safe countries in the Europe will help fast track the asylum system, Juncker says. |
| The commission is also proposing a permanent relocation mechanism to help tackle future refugee emergencies, he says. | The commission is also proposing a permanent relocation mechanism to help tackle future refugee emergencies, he says. |
| “I’m strongly in favour of allowing asylum seekers to work, while their applications are being processed. Work is a matter of dignity,” Juncker says. | “I’m strongly in favour of allowing asylum seekers to work, while their applications are being processed. Work is a matter of dignity,” Juncker says. |
| 8.39am BST08:39 | 8.39am BST08:39 |
| Juncker calls for "compulsory" quotas | Juncker calls for "compulsory" quotas |
| Common asylum standards are important, but not enough to cope with the current crisis, Juncker admits. He acknowledges that “much has happened” since the EU agreed to resettle 40,000 asylum seekers in May. | Common asylum standards are important, but not enough to cope with the current crisis, Juncker admits. He acknowledges that “much has happened” since the EU agreed to resettle 40,000 asylum seekers in May. |
| Juncker applauds the efforts of countries neighbouring Syria (Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan) to take in millions of refugees. | Juncker applauds the efforts of countries neighbouring Syria (Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan) to take in millions of refugees. |
| Where Europe has clearly failed is in offering common solidarity to refugees, Juncker says, Today we are proposing as second emergency measure. “This has to be done in a compulsory way,” he says. Juncker confirms that the plan sets out the relocation of 160,000 people. | Where Europe has clearly failed is in offering common solidarity to refugees, Juncker says, Today we are proposing as second emergency measure. “This has to be done in a compulsory way,” he says. Juncker confirms that the plan sets out the relocation of 160,000 people. |
| Updated at 8.40am BST | Updated at 8.40am BST |
| 8.30am BST08:30 | 8.30am BST08:30 |
| Europe today represents a place of refuge and hope. This is something to be proud of not something to fear, Juncker says. In spite of many differences, Europe is the most stable and wealthy place in the world. This is the place of peace and stability, he adds. | Europe today represents a place of refuge and hope. This is something to be proud of not something to fear, Juncker says. In spite of many differences, Europe is the most stable and wealthy place in the world. This is the place of peace and stability, he adds. |
| We have the means of helping those fleeing terror, Juncker insists. The number of refugee represents only 0.11% of the European population, he points out. As long as there is war in Syria and terror in Libya, there will be refugee problem, Juncker says. | We have the means of helping those fleeing terror, Juncker insists. The number of refugee represents only 0.11% of the European population, he points out. As long as there is war in Syria and terror in Libya, there will be refugee problem, Juncker says. |
| We are fighting Islamic State why can’t we accept those fleeing Islamic State? Juncker asks. There has been a lot of finger pointing by members states and accusations that Brussels is not doing its job, Juncker says. But he adds there is no point in getting angry and calls for the adoption of a common asylum system. | We are fighting Islamic State why can’t we accept those fleeing Islamic State? Juncker asks. There has been a lot of finger pointing by members states and accusations that Brussels is not doing its job, Juncker says. But he adds there is no point in getting angry and calls for the adoption of a common asylum system. |
| 8.24am BST08:24 | 8.24am BST08:24 |
| We should remember that Europe is a continent where at one point almost everyone has been a refugee, Juncker says. He pointedly mentions Hungarian revolutionaries fleeing to Austria after the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule. “Have we forgotten that there are more MacDonalds living in the United States than in Scotland?” Juncker asks. | We should remember that Europe is a continent where at one point almost everyone has been a refugee, Juncker says. He pointedly mentions Hungarian revolutionaries fleeing to Austria after the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule. “Have we forgotten that there are more MacDonalds living in the United States than in Scotland?” Juncker asks. |
| Have we forgot that after the second world war there were 60 million refugees in Europe? he continues. We should never forget that giving refuge is so important. The right to asylum is one of the most important European values. | Have we forgot that after the second world war there were 60 million refugees in Europe? he continues. We should never forget that giving refuge is so important. The right to asylum is one of the most important European values. |
| Updated at 9.02am BST | Updated at 9.02am BST |
| 8.19am BST08:19 | 8.19am BST08:19 |
| Juncker says the response to the migration crisis should be the first priority of the EU. The numbers are “impressive” he says, for some they are “frightening”. But now is not the time to take fright, it is a time for bold concerted action, he says. It is a matter for human dignity and historic sense, Juncker says speaking in English. | Juncker says the response to the migration crisis should be the first priority of the EU. The numbers are “impressive” he says, for some they are “frightening”. But now is not the time to take fright, it is a time for bold concerted action, he says. It is a matter for human dignity and historic sense, Juncker says speaking in English. |
| 8.17am BST08:17 | 8.17am BST08:17 |
| Juncker admits that the EU is “not in a good place”. He adds: “There is a lack of Europe in the Europe, and a lack of union, and that has to change.” | Juncker admits that the EU is “not in a good place”. He adds: “There is a lack of Europe in the Europe, and a lack of union, and that has to change.” |
| Juncker then dismisses a heckler as “worthless”. | Juncker then dismisses a heckler as “worthless”. |
| 8.16am BST08:16 | 8.16am BST08:16 |
| So far only rambling throat-clearing from Juncker. | So far only rambling throat-clearing from Juncker. |
| Scintillating stuff from @JunckerEU so far. #SOTEU | Scintillating stuff from @JunckerEU so far. #SOTEU |
| 8.12am BST08:12 | 8.12am BST08:12 |
| Juncker has started his state of the EU speech. | Juncker has started his state of the EU speech. |
| According to our Europe editor Ian Traynor, Juncker will identify migration as one of 10 priorities. | According to our Europe editor Ian Traynor, Juncker will identify migration as one of 10 priorities. |
| #SOTEU @JunckerEU lists 10 priorities. migration makes it in at number 8! | #SOTEU @JunckerEU lists 10 priorities. migration makes it in at number 8! |
| 7.45am BST07:45 | 7.45am BST07:45 |
| Once Jean Claude Juncker starts speaking you will be able to follow his speech here: | Once Jean Claude Juncker starts speaking you will be able to follow his speech here: |
| If that doesn’t work Politico Brussels has seven other ways of watching the Junker’s State of the European Union speech. | If that doesn’t work Politico Brussels has seven other ways of watching the Junker’s State of the European Union speech. |
| The first three should allow you to watch a live interpretation in your native language. | The first three should allow you to watch a live interpretation in your native language. |
| 1) via the European Parliament website; 2) via the Commission’s Europe by Satellite service; 3) a “special streaming page” from the Parliament; 4) Euronews Live; 5) the dedicated website for the speech and debate; 6) AUDIO only; 7) EbS optimized for mobile | 1) via the European Parliament website; 2) via the Commission’s Europe by Satellite service; 3) a “special streaming page” from the Parliament; 4) Euronews Live; 5) the dedicated website for the speech and debate; 6) AUDIO only; 7) EbS optimized for mobile |
| Updated at 8.13am BST | Updated at 8.13am BST |
| 7.41am BST07:41 | 7.41am BST07:41 |
| Summary | Summary |
| Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis as European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to give details of a quota plan to resettle refugees across Britain. | Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis as European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to give details of a quota plan to resettle refugees across Britain. |
| He is expected to announce quotas to resettle 120,000 refugees in addition to plans to relocate 40,000 refugees as set out by the commission in May. | He is expected to announce quotas to resettle 120,000 refugees in addition to plans to relocate 40,000 refugees as set out by the commission in May. |
| Our data team sets out the expected detail and criteria. | Our data team sets out the expected detail and criteria. |
| Here’s a roundup of the latest flash points and responses to the crisis: | Here’s a roundup of the latest flash points and responses to the crisis: |