Europe migrant crisis: EU leaders pledge $1.6 billion for Syrian refugees; promise to cooperate closely
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| The closure of Hungary's border led thousands of migrants and refugees to head towards Croatia and Serbia. |
EU leaders have pledged at least 1 billion euros ($1.6 billion) for Syrian asylum seekers in the Middle East and agreed to cooperate to deal with the flood of people into Europe at a summit described as less tense than feared after weeks of feuding.
He heard "very substantial and energetic" exchanges between the Austrian and Hungarian leaders, whose common border was among those disrupted by chaotic crowds of asylum seekers this summer, but not the mutual recrimination that has threatened to tear apart the bloc's cherished passport-free Schengen zone.
"Today's meeting and this atmosphere are a very positive sign," said Mr 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, criticised by some eastern neighbours for what they saw as actions that have fuelled the influx of people trying to reach Germany,
EU to process asylum seekers at 'hot spots' in Greece, Italy
The EU said it would offer at least 1 billion euros more to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, its World Food Program and other agencies and increase funding for Syrian refugees in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and other countries — part of a broad push to ease factors driving Syrians to risk sailing to Europe.
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