EU leaders gather to discuss overall approach to refugee crisis

Leaders of European Union (EU) member states gather in Brussels Wednesday afternoon for an informal summit to discuss an overall approach to the refugee crisis and the necessity to establish a credible European migration policy.

The summit, which was proposed by European Council President Donald Tusk, was slated for Wednesday evening.

"We will be taking further actions today, what Europe needs more than ever is comprehensive approach to this migration crisis," said British Prime Minister David Cameron upon his arrival, noting that people need to stabilize the countries and regions from which the refugees are coming.

When it comes to Syria, Cameron said Britain had already given over 1 billion pounds (1.53 billion U.S. dollars), more than any other country, other than the United States. He announced that Britain will commit another 100 million pounds, including 40 million pounds to the vital world food program.

"We must make sure the people in refugee camps are properly fed or looked after, not least help them, but also stop people wanting to make or thinking of making this very very difficult and very dangerous journey," he said.

In Tusk's invitation letter, he also appealed to EU leaders to urgently provide financial donations to the World Food Program for food support to the 11 million people in Syria and in the region.

During the summit, the EU leaders will also discuss issues including help to frontline member states, cooperation with Western Balkan countries, Turkey and countries bordering Syria, financial assistance to the High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Program return and readmission, and diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis in Syria. (1 pound = 1.53 U.S. dollars) Endit