The European Union has reached agreement to set up a new border and coastguard force that could intervene in front-line countries like Greece and Italy to curb the influx of migrants.
Negotiators for the 28 EU member states and the European Parliament said on Wednesday they had endorsed a proposal from the European Commission, the bloc’s executive, to set up the force by the summer.
The parliament is expected to vote on the issue in a key committee next week, and if it clears that hurdle, to act on it in a full session in the French city of Strasbourg next month.
“The agreement on the creation of a European Border and Coast Guard shows that Europe is able to act swiftly and resolutely to deal with common challenges,” said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.