Slovak not to agree to mandatory migrant quotas: Slovak PM

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday that he will never accept mandatory migrant quotas.

"While I remain in the post of prime minister, I'll never agree to mandatory quotas regarding the redistribution of migrants within the EU," Fico said at a parliamentary European affairs committee session on Wednesday.

"The quotas are dead, as only 5 percent of the migrants have been redistributed so far, which is a total failure," stressed Fico.

Fico said he expected EU leaders at the upcoming EU summit in Brussels to focus only on points which they can find agreement, such as the return policy.

"There's no way that we'll agree to mandatory quotas," stressed Fico, adding that several other EU member states held the same stance.

"The EC proposal is unacceptable. Every country has to have its way on how to cope with migrants," said Fico.

According to Fico, EU leaders at the upcoming summit will also be interested in Turkey's future, as the country has more than 2 million migrants on its territory at the moment and according to an agreement with the EU, it's promised not to let them enter the Union.

"I want to separate Turkey's ambitions as a potential member of the EU from this agreement, which has been proven important. A pragmatic approach will be needed," added Fico.

Apart from migration, leaders in Brussels are set to discuss security measures, economic and social development, youth, and relations with certain African countries. Endit