The Interior Ministers of the 27 European Union countries met today, Thursday, to try to reach an agreement that has proven difficult to establish regarding how to share the responsibility for caring for refugees and migrants. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated, "We have had many discussions for a very long time; it is important that we reach an agreement... We cannot deal with migration except together as the entire European Union." She added, "The compromise on the table is very difficult for Germany... I feel that there is a common understanding that could lead to an agreement, but not at any cost."
A senior EU diplomat noted that he sees "a reasonable opportunity to reach an agreement." EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson remarked, "The negotiations are a marathon, and she expects the ministers to complete the final stage during the talks in Luxembourg today." For his part, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed hope that reaching a compromise would allow the EU and member states to respond to some public concerns regarding migration issues, which are considered highly important.