Advertisement

  1. National

EU leaders pledge extra €1 billion to tackle refugee crisis

The "greatest tide" of refugees is yet to come, Europe's leaders have been warned as they pledged another €1 billion (£733 million) to tackle the crisis.

Heads of state were locked in talks for more than five hours in Brussels as they attempted to overcome divisions and find a unified response.

Speaking after the emergency summit, European Council president Donald Tusk said while they had taken a step in the right direction, the policy of "open doors and windows" must be corrected.

Prime Minister David Cameron - who committed an extra £115 million in aid - said a "comprehensive approach" was needed to solve the crisis.

View all 22 updates ›

Thousands of refugees arrive in Lesbos as crisis talks begin

More than 2,500 refugees have arrived at the Greek island of Lesbos on Wednesday as EU leaders discuss plans for the redistribution of 120,000 people across Europe.

A young girl cries as she is lifted off an overcrowded dinghy. Credit: Reuters

There were frantic scenes as people escaped one overcrowded dinghy following the dangerous sea crossing from Turkey.

One young Syrian refugee calls for help from the water. Credit: Reuters

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss proposals for redistributing 120,000 people across the continent to ease the burden on Greece and Italy, which has borne the brunt of the arrivals.

A man carries a baby to shore in a lifetube after their dinghy deflated 100m away. Credit: Reuters

At least 430,000 refugees and migrants have taken boats across the Mediterranean to Europe this year, 309,000 of whom have arrived via Greece.

  1. Read more
  2. 22 updates
EU leaders pledge extra €1 billion to tackle refugee crisis

More on this story