EU Refugee Deal Sparks Friction Among Member States

Poland and Hungary have stood apart from the recent refugee distribution plan, a measure finalized earlier this month by EU interior ministers. It aims to move about 30,000 people a year and has become a focal point at this year’s summit. Leaders from Prague to Brussels are converging in the Belgian capital to express clear opposition to a decision they say should be resolved by the European Council and by heads of state and government through a majority vote rather than a unanimous ministerial vote. When the Polish president arrived at the European Council, he called for reform of the Frontex agency and presented an alternative approach, insisting on a plan for secure European borders.