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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.

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EU leaders pledge extra €1 billion to tackle refugee crisis

European Council President Donald Tusk made the announcement in Brussels. Credit: RTV

An extra €1 billion (£733 million) has been pledged by EU leaders to help tackle the refugee crisis.

European Council President Donald Tusk said the money will be used to help Syrian refugees in the Middle East and distributed via the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme.

The figure was agreed following an emergency meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, where a number of other measures were agreed.

Mr Tusk said the current chaos on EU borders must end and that "hotspots" would be set up by the end of November.

"The measures we have agreed today will not end the crisis but they are all necessary steps in the right direction," he said.

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EU leaders pledge extra €1 billion to tackle refugee crisis

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