EU leaders claim unity regained, pledge aid for Syrians
EU leaders pledged at least EUR1 billion (US$1.1 billion) for Syrian refugees in the Middle East and closer cooperation to stem migrant flows into Europe at a summit described as less tense than feared after weeks of feuding.
Chairman Donald Tusk said the meeting, which ended early on September 24 after seven hours of talks in Brussels, was "really excellent, for sure much better than we expected".
He heard "very substantial and energetic" exchanges between the Austrian and Hungarian leaders, whose common border was among those disrupted by chaotic crowds of migrants this summer, but not the mutual recrimination that has threatened to tear apart the bloc's cherished passport-free Schengen zone.
"September 24's meeting and this atmosphere are a very positive sign," said European Council President Tusk, a former prime minister of Poland.
"It's quite a symbolic moment for me as it's clear we have stopped this risky blame game."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, criticized by some eastern neighbors for what they saw as actions that have fueled the influx of people trying to reach Germany, voiced satisfaction:
"We know that the problem is not solved with the decision taken. But we have taken one of many necessary steps. I got the feeling that we want to tackle this task together."
Held at short notice after governments fell out badly over a scheme to share out responsibilities for asylum-seekers around the EU, the summit carried political rather than legal weight.