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Schengen: Europe's passport-free travel zone 'on brink of collapse'

The system that allows passport-free movement across Europe is feared to be on the brink of collapse as nations tighten their border controls because of the refugee crisis.

European Council president Donald Tusk has admitted it is a "race against time" to save the Schengen travel zone, which has operated for 30 years.

The council president spoke before another informal summit in Valetta dedicated to the issue of Schengen and urged: "We must hurry, but without panic."

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Reaching a deal on UK's EU reforms 'very, very tough'

Reaching a deal on the UK's demands for European Union reform will be "very, very tough", European Council president Donald Tusk has said.

Donald Tusk has warned David Cameron there is 'no guarantee' of a deal by December. Credit: Wiktor Dabkowski/DPA/Press Association Images

Tusk, who will oversee the negotiations that start next week, said there was "no guarantee" of an agreement when leaders next meet in December.

The former Polish premier said the British requests were tough, adding: "I have to say that it will be really difficult to find an agreement."

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