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EU's Juncker calls on EP to support new border control plans

Xinhua, December 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday called on the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg to support his plans to set up a European Border and Coast Guard in a bid to manage the refugee crisis.

Juncker said at the EP plenary session it was "no time for business as usual, no time for half-measures, no time for hesitation," as there was a serious problem at EU's external border.

The Commission proposes to establish a permanent staff of 1,000 for the task and a reserve pool of at least 1,500 experts who can be deployed within 72 hours.

"The Commission has now agreed on those plans, and I call on the Parliament and the Council (of the European Union) to treat them as a matter of urgency," Juncker added.

Regarding Schengen policy, Juncker made clear that under his leadership he would do everything possible to protect it and to make it better and stronger.

"We want to defend everything that Schengen represents, and as we prepare for a new year, our determination is stronger than ever," Juncker said.

EU leaders were due to meet in Brussels on Thursday for a summit to discuss Juncker's new border control plan and other measures to tackle the migrant crisis. Endit