Italy seeks help: Migrant centres in EU states but on a voluntary basis

European Union leaders reached an agreement on migration after nearly 10 hours of negotiations at a summit in Brussels. Italy, which receives thousands of migrants mostly from Africa, had threatened to veto the conclusions of the entire agenda if it did not receive the necessary assistance.
The talks continued into the early hours of Friday, and an agreement was finally reached. Leaders agreed to establish new migrant centres in EU countries, but on a voluntary basis. The centres will sort out those who are refugees and irregular migrants who will be returned to their home countries. It remains unclear which countries will host these centres.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it took a long time to reach an agreement, but that as of today, Italy is no longer alone.

The EU is divided, with central Europe rejecting the EU's plan to relocate 160,000 refugees from overcrowded camps in Greece and Italy. 

Leaders of the 28 EU countries agreed to strengthen border controls and increase funding for Turkey and North African countries, with the aim of reducing human smuggling. They also agreed that they must find a solution as soon as possible to prevent the creation of new sea and land routes.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this is a decisive moment for the European Union when it comes to migration. She came to this summit under pressure to reach an agreement and prevent new arrivals of migrants in Germany. The country's Interior Minister Horst Seehofer had already given her a deadline until the end of this weekend and threatened to start returning migrants from the border in Bavaria. If she loses the support of the CSU party, Merkel loses her parliamentary majority.

It was emphasised that support will be provided to Italy and other Mediterranean countries, and that additional efforts will be made to stop smugglers from Libya and other countries.

British Prime Minister Theresa May praised the agreement, saying it resolved many issues that the United Kingdom had previously raised and will ensure that many migrants do not embark on dangerous journeys organised by smugglers.

After several days of drifting at sea, the Lifeline ship was allowed to dock in Malta with the promised EU assistance. Norway offered to take in several migrants from this ship.