PARIS, Oct. 28 (MNA) – European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, criticized the slow response in implementing some of the agreements to the worst immigration crisis in decades.

During a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, Juncker urged the EU member states to act according to the crisis.

'Relocating the asylum seekers does not work as it should', he regretted.

'The migration crisis is perhaps the greatest challenge we've seen in decades', said Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.

Meanwhile, members of the European Parliament were in favor of fulfilling the agreements.

Several groups noted that EU member states have to implement the measures already taken in order to deal with the refugee crisis, and stressed in particular the need of strengthening the borders and to respect the rights of those people.

The Spanish MEP, Pablo Iglesias, urged for a change of policy.

'The refugee crisis will not be resolved with police, it will be resolved with responsible policies. Stop playing chess with people in the Mediterranean, to work for peace instead of promoting wars, help people who are fleeing horror', he said.

The leader of the Social Democrats, Gianni Pittella, said that the best way to combat these movements is to take action. Europe wins the game when it moves forward with concrete proposals and bold and convincing answers, he said.

The head of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, said that Europe is living a time of national selfishness. 'There are some forces stirring fear in people'.

However, most of the measures taken so far are target of frequent criticism, as many consider them limited and unable to provide a comprehensive response while not going to the root causes of the crisis.

 

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