[WATCH] 'Building walls won't solve anything' - Muscat

A split Europe is meeting in Brussels later on this afternoon to discuss the refugee crisis that has left member states struggling to find a co-ordinated response.

EU leaders are facing increased numbers of people seeking refuge in Europe, but member states have failed to find a common answer showing splits and facing criticism of a Europe unable to live up to its name of solidarity.

In a brief comment upon his arrival, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the main decision – that of relocating 120,000 refugees – was taken yesterday while the EU leaders will now focus on the more long-term approach.

“The Valletta Summit will play an important role … it is not a question of building walls and no country will solve this crisis on its own. We must find a European solution,” Muscat said. 

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said that while Italy – along with Malta and Greece – had faced the EU alone in April and in June, the absolute majority of member states have now realised “that this is not just a problem for countries on the frontiers”.

“Immigration isn’t solved in 15 minutes and it is not the problem of just one country. It requires a Europe-wide vision and Italy is among the few countries that today will not be holding a different position,” he said.

Asked whether 120,000 refugees were enough, Renzi said it wasn’t a question of numbers but whether Brussels has a migration policy.

In doorstep comments, UK Prime Minister David Cameron reiterated that Europe needed a comprehensive approach and to do more to help stabilise countries in the region. He said Britain was committed to continue helping Syria and will be pledging well over £1 million pound for food aid in refugee camps.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that “a united Europe means sharing of responsibilities, sharing of burden, sharing of capabilities and common future”.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he “didn’t blame Germany” for the refugee influx, adding that Hungary will cooperate with the Germans “who are in a difficult situation too”.

Orban insisted that his country’s borders “were not sealed”: “We only sealed the green border and anyone who wants to enter Hungary can do so in a legal manner.”

The quota plan to relocate an additional 120,000 refugees from Italy and Greece was only agreed to by a majority vote: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary voted against while Finland chose to abstain.

Slovakia has warned it will challenge the quota deal in court but the other three have now agreed to it. Luxembourg’s foreign minister Jean Asselborn yesterday said “nobody has the right not to agree if a decision is taken by qualified majority”; while European Commissioner Frans Timmermans said that the Commission will further enforce the implementation of directives and policies agreed to.

Indeed this morning, the European Commission adopted 40 infringement decisions against several member states for failing to fully implement legislation making up the Common Asylum System (CAS), Malta included. The EU is now calling on all member states to "uphold, apply and implement" existing migration rules, including the Dublin regulation and the Schengen acquis.

Sources say that the European Council will continue pushing for the complete transposition and implementation of the CAS by member sates.

During the informal meeting, EU leaders are expected to once again agree on increasing funds to various operations and the EU’s regional trust fund while reinforce dialogue with international players. At least an additional €1 billion will be given to the UNHCR and the World Food Programme, among other agencies.

European Parliament president Martin Schulz said millions of refugees needed basic needs – such as food, water and blankets – and the EU will immediately mobilise the necessary funds.

The EU is expected to agree in assisting Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and other countries in dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis. Turkey is seen an important ally in stemming and managing the migratory flow.

Strengthening borders control remains a priority and Frontex, EASO and Europol are set to receive additional resources. Leaders will also discuss how the institutions and agencies will help member states “to ensure identification, registration and fingerprinting of migrants, with a view to ensuring relocation and returns”.

In his invitation letter, Tusk said the current 'migration policy' was a sum of despair of the victims fleeing war and persecution, of their determination in searching for a better life, of the cynicism of the smugglers, and too often, of the refugees and migrants' tragic fate. "Therefore it is essential to establish a credible European migration policy," he had written.