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Refugee crisis: EU summit amid resentment over quota deal – as it happened Refugee crisis: EU summit amid resentment over quota deal – as it happened
(7 months later)
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European Council President Donald Tusk has warned that the quota plan is not enough in the face of millions of refugees potentially trying to reach Europe.European Council President Donald Tusk has warned that the quota plan is not enough in the face of millions of refugees potentially trying to reach Europe.
We are talking about millions of potential refugees trying to reach Europe, not thousands. #EUCO #refugeecrisis #migrationEUWe are talking about millions of potential refugees trying to reach Europe, not thousands. #EUCO #refugeecrisis #migrationEU
Tusk pointed out that there were a eight million displaced people inside Syria, as well as the four million who had fled the country.Tusk pointed out that there were a eight million displaced people inside Syria, as well as the four million who had fled the country.
We’re pausing the blog for now, but there will be more updates on our refugees page. You can read our latest news wrap, by Ian Traynor, here.We’re pausing the blog for now, but there will be more updates on our refugees page. You can read our latest news wrap, by Ian Traynor, here.
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The European Commission has left no stone unturned in the search for funding for the refugee crisis, its president Jean-Claude Juncker insisted ahead of the EU summit on migration.The European Commission has left no stone unturned in the search for funding for the refugee crisis, its president Jean-Claude Juncker insisted ahead of the EU summit on migration.
He said: “We have almost doubled the resources to tackle the refugee crisis – from € 4.6 billion to € 9.5bn”He said: “We have almost doubled the resources to tackle the refugee crisis – from € 4.6 billion to € 9.5bn”
Juncker set out the key points of further funding measures:Juncker set out the key points of further funding measures:
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Here’s a summary of the latest developments:Here’s a summary of the latest developments:
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More on the Balkan border merry go round.More on the Balkan border merry go round.
Serbia is preparing counter-measures against Croatia if it fails to lift the blockade at its borders, Balkan Insight reports.Serbia is preparing counter-measures against Croatia if it fails to lift the blockade at its borders, Balkan Insight reports.
Belgrade is considering blocking any freight coming from Croatia, its source said.Belgrade is considering blocking any freight coming from Croatia, its source said.
“Serbia also has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which regulates trade relations between two sides. The blockades on the Serbia-Croatian border have practically abolished the SAA. We will strongly protest to the EU because of that,” the source said.“Serbia also has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which regulates trade relations between two sides. The blockades on the Serbia-Croatian border have practically abolished the SAA. We will strongly protest to the EU because of that,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Croatia is reported to be preparing to send refugees back to Serbia if Hungary closes its border with Croatia.Meanwhile, Croatia is reported to be preparing to send refugees back to Serbia if Hungary closes its border with Croatia.
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Related: Tim Farron accuses Cameron of trying to capitalise on picture of drowned boy
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Orban accuses Germany of 'moral imperialism'Orban accuses Germany of 'moral imperialism'
Hungary’s hardline prime minister Viktor Orban has accused Germany of “moral imperialism” over the refugee crisis.Hungary’s hardline prime minister Viktor Orban has accused Germany of “moral imperialism” over the refugee crisis.
Speaking in Bavaria Orban said: “Even if Germany decides to accept mass migration, please do not make it mandatory for others to do the same.”Speaking in Bavaria Orban said: “Even if Germany decides to accept mass migration, please do not make it mandatory for others to do the same.”
#Orban wirft Deutschland in Flüchtlingskrise «moralischen Imperialismus» vor http://t.co/v1HhG3Ts2U via @faznet /dmo pic.twitter.com/4Sz0xA80XD#Orban wirft Deutschland in Flüchtlingskrise «moralischen Imperialismus» vor http://t.co/v1HhG3Ts2U via @faznet /dmo pic.twitter.com/4Sz0xA80XD
AFP adds:AFP adds:
When asked what he expected from Merkel while Europe grapples with an influx of asylum-seekers, Orban grinned: “I have a long list.”When asked what he expected from Merkel while Europe grapples with an influx of asylum-seekers, Orban grinned: “I have a long list.”
Orban accused Merkel of trying to impose her vision of an open EU on the rest of the bloc.Orban accused Merkel of trying to impose her vision of an open EU on the rest of the bloc.
“The most important thing is that there should be no moral imperialism,” he said during a visit to the southern German state of Bavaria.“The most important thing is that there should be no moral imperialism,” he said during a visit to the southern German state of Bavaria.
Orban, speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels later Wednesday, said his country had a “democratic right” to a different approach.Orban, speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels later Wednesday, said his country had a “democratic right” to a different approach.
“We are Hungarians however, we cannot think with German minds. Hungary should have the right to control the impact of a mass migration,” he said.“We are Hungarians however, we cannot think with German minds. Hungary should have the right to control the impact of a mass migration,” he said.
“The Hungarian people don’t want this, we ask that the wishes of Hungarians be respected.”“The Hungarian people don’t want this, we ask that the wishes of Hungarians be respected.”
Orban revived recent proposals in what he called a six-point plan to resolve the crisis.Orban revived recent proposals in what he called a six-point plan to resolve the crisis.
They included persuading Greece, one of the EU countries on the front lines of the migrant influx, to hand over control of its borders to EU countries willing to help police them, as well as separating asylum-seekers from “economic migrants” before they reach the passport-free Schengen zone.They included persuading Greece, one of the EU countries on the front lines of the migrant influx, to hand over control of its borders to EU countries willing to help police them, as well as separating asylum-seekers from “economic migrants” before they reach the passport-free Schengen zone.
Orban said he would also press fellow EU leaders to agree on a common list of safe countries of origin to which migrants can be returned, and to pitch in one percent of their EU income and their EU contributions to an emergency fund.Orban said he would also press fellow EU leaders to agree on a common list of safe countries of origin to which migrants can be returned, and to pitch in one percent of their EU income and their EU contributions to an emergency fund.
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The European Union has launched 40 new infringement cases against 19 member states for failing to implement common asylum rules. The European Commission says that elements of the asylum policy not being implemented include legislation focused on speeding up asylum decisions, ensuring humane treatment of asylum-seekers and clarifying grounds for granting asylum.The European Union has launched 40 new infringement cases against 19 member states for failing to implement common asylum rules. The European Commission says that elements of the asylum policy not being implemented include legislation focused on speeding up asylum decisions, ensuring humane treatment of asylum-seekers and clarifying grounds for granting asylum.
European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans says, “Our common European asylum system can only function if everyone plays by the rules.”European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans says, “Our common European asylum system can only function if everyone plays by the rules.”
Infringement notices have been sent to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Slovenia.Infringement notices have been sent to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Slovenia.
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Croatia’s state broadcaster has shown footage of Hungarian soldiers building a new border fence with Croatia at Gola in the Koprivnice province.Croatia’s state broadcaster has shown footage of Hungarian soldiers building a new border fence with Croatia at Gola in the Koprivnice province.
[VIDEO] Od ranog jutra Mađari postavljaju bodljikavu žicu i ogradu kod Gole #izbjeglice http://t.co/ykI9b1hGmX pic.twitter.com/xKHOTqFJRo[VIDEO] Od ranog jutra Mađari postavljaju bodljikavu žicu i ogradu kod Gole #izbjeglice http://t.co/ykI9b1hGmX pic.twitter.com/xKHOTqFJRo
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A Dutch MEP has condemned the “inhumane” conditions facing refugees in Croatia after being shown undercover footage filmed by a Dutch reporter posing as a refugee.A Dutch MEP has condemned the “inhumane” conditions facing refugees in Croatia after being shown undercover footage filmed by a Dutch reporter posing as a refugee.
The footage is due to be broadcast by 3onderzoekt in October. But the filmmaker Danny Ghosen showed the rushes to MEP Judith Sargentini. She commented: “This situation is inhumane. Europe should be ashamed.”The footage is due to be broadcast by 3onderzoekt in October. But the filmmaker Danny Ghosen showed the rushes to MEP Judith Sargentini. She commented: “This situation is inhumane. Europe should be ashamed.”
The footage is said to show refugees being sent to a fenced off area, under heavy police surveillance. Refuges are reported to be shown in sweltering conditions without cover.The footage is said to show refugees being sent to a fenced off area, under heavy police surveillance. Refuges are reported to be shown in sweltering conditions without cover.
In one clip filmed at night refugees complained the camp was like a prison.In one clip filmed at night refugees complained the camp was like a prison.
Sargentini added: “If Croatia cannot cope with the large number of refugees entering the country, it should call for help, instead of hiding the misery. That is also European solidarity.”Sargentini added: “If Croatia cannot cope with the large number of refugees entering the country, it should call for help, instead of hiding the misery. That is also European solidarity.”
Croatia’s interior minister Ranko Ostojic refused to answer questions about what foreign reporters uncovered at the camp, according to state broadcaster HRT.Croatia’s interior minister Ranko Ostojic refused to answer questions about what foreign reporters uncovered at the camp, according to state broadcaster HRT.
But he announced that a new camp area had been opened where refugees do not have to sit in the sun.But he announced that a new camp area had been opened where refugees do not have to sit in the sun.
Speaking from the Opatovac camp, he called for a common European solution to the crisis.Speaking from the Opatovac camp, he called for a common European solution to the crisis.
“Do not make us suffer, this is torture,” Ostojic pleaded.“Do not make us suffer, this is torture,” Ostojic pleaded.
He added: “We opened two fields at the centre in which to conduct medical screening and security checks. This takes a long time and we had to move the refugees from the area in front of the reception center in order not to stand in the sun but also so the entire area can be cleaned and disinfected” Ostojic said.He added: “We opened two fields at the centre in which to conduct medical screening and security checks. This takes a long time and we had to move the refugees from the area in front of the reception center in order not to stand in the sun but also so the entire area can be cleaned and disinfected” Ostojic said.
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The European Commission has announced a multi-billion euro package to tackle the refugee crisis including €1bn of aid Turkey and €17m for Serbia.The European Commission has announced a multi-billion euro package to tackle the refugee crisis including €1bn of aid Turkey and €17m for Serbia.
EU president Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU needed to go further than the binding quota plan agreed on Tuesday. He said: “The decision to relocate 160,000 people from the most affected Member States is a historic first and a genuine, laudable expression of European solidarity. It cannot be the end of the story, however. It is time for further, bold, determined and concerted action by the European Union, by its institutions and by all its Member States.”EU president Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU needed to go further than the binding quota plan agreed on Tuesday. He said: “The decision to relocate 160,000 people from the most affected Member States is a historic first and a genuine, laudable expression of European solidarity. It cannot be the end of the story, however. It is time for further, bold, determined and concerted action by the European Union, by its institutions and by all its Member States.”
Under the commission’s plans member states will be able to request “rapid border intervention teams” to protect Europe’s borders.Under the commission’s plans member states will be able to request “rapid border intervention teams” to protect Europe’s borders.
It also announced that proposals for legal migration, including a relaxation of work permit rules, will be set out in March 2016.It also announced that proposals for legal migration, including a relaxation of work permit rules, will be set out in March 2016.
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Slovakia threatens court action over quotasSlovakia threatens court action over quotas
Slovakia will go to court to challenge quotas for distributing asylum-seekers, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced.Slovakia will go to court to challenge quotas for distributing asylum-seekers, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced.
“We will go in two directions: first one, we will file a charge at the court in Luxembourg... secondly, we will not implement the (decision) of the interior ministers,” Fico told reporters.“We will go in two directions: first one, we will file a charge at the court in Luxembourg... secondly, we will not implement the (decision) of the interior ministers,” Fico told reporters.
On Tuesday he said: “As long as I am prime minister, mandatory quotas will not be implemented on Slovak territory.”On Tuesday he said: “As long as I am prime minister, mandatory quotas will not be implemented on Slovak territory.”
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UN urges Britain and France to tackle 'horrible conditions' facing refugees in CalaisUN urges Britain and France to tackle 'horrible conditions' facing refugees in Calais
The UN secretary general’s special representative on migration has urged Britain and France to act immediately to tackle the “horrible conditions” facing refugees in Calais.The UN secretary general’s special representative on migration has urged Britain and France to act immediately to tackle the “horrible conditions” facing refugees in Calais.
After a visit to the makeshift camp, dubbed the Jungle, Peter Sutherland, said the conditions there were an indictment to society.After a visit to the makeshift camp, dubbed the Jungle, Peter Sutherland, said the conditions there were an indictment to society.
I cannot easily recover from the shock of Calais.the French and British governments should rapidly respond to the horrible conditions.I cannot easily recover from the shock of Calais.the French and British governments should rapidly respond to the horrible conditions.
With the filth has come disease and the place is testimony to the desperation of the people in it. They deserve immediate action.With the filth has come disease and the place is testimony to the desperation of the people in it. They deserve immediate action.
The Camp in Calais is a truly dreadful place. It is an indictment of society that it exists.Why have the media largely moved on?The Camp in Calais is a truly dreadful place. It is an indictment of society that it exists.Why have the media largely moved on?
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The Guardian’s Europe editor Ian Traynor previews the summit:The Guardian’s Europe editor Ian Traynor previews the summit:
EU leaders are preparing for a tense summit in Brussels dedicated to the continent’s migration crisis, a day after European governments forced through a divisive deal to impose refugee quotas.EU leaders are preparing for a tense summit in Brussels dedicated to the continent’s migration crisis, a day after European governments forced through a divisive deal to impose refugee quotas.
The leaders did not want their emergency summit on Wednesday evening to be hijacked by an unseemly squabble over quotas and ordered interior ministers to strike a deal in which member states will share 120,000 people between them.The leaders did not want their emergency summit on Wednesday evening to be hijacked by an unseemly squabble over quotas and ordered interior ministers to strike a deal in which member states will share 120,000 people between them.
The summit will focus on the faster screening and fingerprinting of people arriving on the EU’s southern borders and helping neighbouring countries in the Balkans and the Middle East, notably Turkey, to stop people heading for the EU.The summit will focus on the faster screening and fingerprinting of people arriving on the EU’s southern borders and helping neighbouring countries in the Balkans and the Middle East, notably Turkey, to stop people heading for the EU.
The policies presuppose substantial increases in staffing and resources for EU police and border agencies and the ceding of national authority over borders to the same EU agencies, none of which is proceeding quickly. Any summit decision must be unanimous under EU rules, unlike decisions taken at the level of ministers.The policies presuppose substantial increases in staffing and resources for EU police and border agencies and the ceding of national authority over borders to the same EU agencies, none of which is proceeding quickly. Any summit decision must be unanimous under EU rules, unlike decisions taken at the level of ministers.
Related: EU braces for turbulent summit after divisive deal on refugee quotas
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Romania, one of the four EU states who voted against mandatory quotas, says it can manage the number of refugees the EU plans to send its way under the scheme.Romania, one of the four EU states who voted against mandatory quotas, says it can manage the number of refugees the EU plans to send its way under the scheme.
President Klaus Iohannis said he regretted that the decision was forced to a vote rather than the negotiated, and insisted that binding quotas were not the solution.President Klaus Iohannis said he regretted that the decision was forced to a vote rather than the negotiated, and insisted that binding quotas were not the solution.
Romania has said it can take in a maximum 1,785 of migrants in a voluntary scheme to help ease pressures. Under the relocation scheme it would take in 2,475 people.Romania has said it can take in a maximum 1,785 of migrants in a voluntary scheme to help ease pressures. Under the relocation scheme it would take in 2,475 people.
“The decision has been made. I understand other countries plan to challenge it and we will wait to see the outcome,” Iohannis told reporters.“The decision has been made. I understand other countries plan to challenge it and we will wait to see the outcome,” Iohannis told reporters.
He added: “In reality, the number of refugees Romania must receive during a period of 1-2 years ... is not large. It is manageable and I think Romania must show solidarity.”He added: “In reality, the number of refugees Romania must receive during a period of 1-2 years ... is not large. It is manageable and I think Romania must show solidarity.”
Of the four dissenting countries only Slovakia has vowed to fight the imposition of quotas.Of the four dissenting countries only Slovakia has vowed to fight the imposition of quotas.
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