European Union (EU) leaders failed to reach a consensus on the migration issue after a two-day summit.
Migrants from France cross the English Channel into the UK on March 15, 2022. File photo (illustrative)
Poland and Hungary continue to oppose a proposal that EU countries be obliged to take in migrants or face a fee of 20,000 euros ($21,826) per migrant.
In a statement issued on June 30 after a conference in Brussels, Belgium, European Council President Charles Michel said the views of Poland and Hungary had been taken into account, but he stressed that “migration is a challenge for Europe that requires a common response.”
Despite failing to reach a consensus, EU leaders have expressed “deep regret” over the “terrible loss of life” in the Mediterranean as migrants attempt to cross the ocean to Europe in search of a better life.
Mr. Michel stressed that the EU remains committed to efforts to eliminate human trafficking and smuggling networks as well as to address the root causes of illegal migration.
According to VNA