EU migrant STALEMATE: Kurz admits ‘very low’ chance of solving crisis set to DESTROY EU

The chancellor and current president of the European Parliament confessed his hopes of solving the crisis aren’t high. 

Speaking to reporters just minutes before the beginning of the day of talks, Mr Kurz said: “You know, I’ve been saying for years we will not solve the migration issue with the distribution debate.

“Therefore you might not be surprised when I tell you today that there hasn’t been any change in my opinion on that regard.

“I still share the opinion of other government’ heads, that the distribution debate will not solve the issue of migration because the accesses were different, are different and will remain different. 

I believe the chance to find a solution in the next years is very low

Sebastian Kurz

“But some want to keep this topic on the agenda, therefore as head of the presidency I will keep them on the agenda.

”I believe the chance to find a solution in the next years is very low.”

However Mr Kurz conceded the migrant situation is slowly evolving, also thanks to the fiery debates taking place during the last months.

Mr Kurz said: “In June there was a change of opinion that there is a stronger focus on the external borders for the first time and the cooperation with third countries. 

Sebastian Kurz at Salzburg summit

Sebastian Kurz conceded the chances to solve the migrant crisis any time soon are ‘very low’ (Image: GETTY•REUTERS)

“Here we are now making progress.

“Thanks to Egypt’s collaboration, there is a country in North Africa for the first time is willing to work together with the EU.

“Egypt has proven that it can be efficient since 2016 they have prevented ships leaving Egypt for Europe and if they did they took them back.

“Yesterday we have suggested to heads of state to talk together with Egypt and over countries.”

Explaining the idea was welcomed by the EU28, Mr Kurz said the President of the of the European Council and him will prepare to further deepen talks with African countries facing the Mediterranean to “fight illegal migration and smugglers.” 

Emmanuel Macron in Salzburg

Emmanuel Macron said state members must ‘respect the rules’ (Image: REUTERS)

This summit will likely see liven up discussions between newly-elected populist governments and the old liberal guard.

Among the former, there are the representatives of the Italian government, which clashed over immigration with France and Brussels multiple times in the last months.

Upon arriving at the summit, Italy’s prime minister Giuseppe Conte urged the EU28 to cooperate on the issue. 

He also highlighted that European solutions can be called as such only if every single member state take part in them. 

He told reporters: “We are all aware that we need a system that will welcome and redistribute the migrants arriving at our shores. 

Donald Tusk

Donald Tusk arrives for the European Union’s summit in Salzburg (Image: EPA)

“Some countries are reluctant to take in migrants, we are working to find a solution that is truly European.

“Of course everyone will have to take part to it, otherwise we can’t call it a European solution.

“Those who don’t want to take in migrants could provide payments.

“We have discussed this option during yesterday’s dinner, but it is a residual option. 

Giuseppe Conte speaking in Salzburg

Giuseppe Conte called the talks on immigration with the EU28 a ‘work in progress’ (Image: GETTY)

“We want a wide participation to the system of welcoming and redistribution, or it’s not going to be a European solution to the problem.”

After yesterday’s dinner, Mr Conte branded the talks on immigration with fellow country leaders a “work in progress”, according to Italian daily Repubblica. 

He added: “At the moment there is a slight possibility that countries who don’t want to take in immigrants will help the union by giving money.

“Some of the countries which don’t welcome asylum-seekers have already said they could agree to these terms.”  

Emmanuel Macron in Salzburg

Emmanuel Macron had previously clashed with Italy’s populist government on immigration (Image: REUTERS)

Other leaders arriving at the informal crunch talks accused the countries not willing to take in immigrants of “jeopardising” the very foundation of the , the Schengen area.

Belgium prime minister Charles Michel said: “We need a strong partnership with African countries. And we have to be realistic.

“We must have a solidarity strategy.

“Some countries refuse solidarity and they jeopardise Schengen area because Schengen supposes solidarity.”  

Jean Claude Juncker in Salzburg

Jean Claude Juncker is also attending the Salzburg summit (Image: REUTERS)

And French President , who have called out Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini when he refused to let dock ships carrying migrants from Africa, highlighted once again the importance of “respecting the rules”.

He said: “We must work with Africa. I support Frontex to protect our common borders.

“Responsibility and solidarity are also essential, as well as the improvement of the rules of repatriation to the countries of origin.

“We have solidarity. We have proved it. We must respect the rules. We have different interests, but common and higher values.” 

Frontex, also known as European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is a body tasked with border control of the European Schengen Area.