The so-called Balkan migration route has been the focus of attention at a summit in Vienna of leaders from affected countries.<br /><br /> Among those welcomed by Austria’s Chancellor Kern were Germany’s Angela Merkel and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who have been at loggerheads over migration policy.<br /><br /> Orban proposed that Europe should set up what he called a “gigantic refugee city” on the coast of Libya where asylum requests from African refugees could be processed.<br /><br /> Also present was Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who has pleaded for more solidarity towards his country where the route’s closure has blocked tens of thousands of migrants and refugees.<br /><br /> Austria and Slovenia have called for greater cooperation to reinforce the EU’s external borders and reduce illegal immigration.<br /><br /> Overall numbers have fallen partly due to a deal between the EU and Turkey which has agreed to prevent people from leaving its shores – but the future of the accord is in doubt.<br /><br /> Last week EU leaders agreed to reinforce Bulgaria’s border with Turkey and intensify security cooperation.<br /><br /> Euronews correspondent Gábor Tanács reported from Vienna:<br />“Countries along the Balkan route have a habit of bickering – but also of cooperating. The question is which habit will prevail as they try to handle the migrant crisis”.<br />
