EU leaders call for urgent actions on migrant crisis

The European Union (EU) leaders called for urgent actions of EU member states to cope with the current migrant crisis late Thursday as they gathered here for the winter summit.

"Over the past months, the European Council has developed a strategy aimed at stemming the unprecedented migratory flows Europe is facing," said the leaders in a press release, but adding that "implementation is insufficient and has to be speeded up."

The leaders also stressed that for the integrity of Schengen to be safeguarded, "it is indispensable to regain control over the external borders."

Moreover, deficiencies, notably as regards hotspots, relocation and returns, must be rapidly addressed, urged the leaders. Endit