EU ministers postpone decision on migrant allocation

EU interior ministers have failed to agree on how to redistribute 40,000 migrants who have arrived in Italy and Greece.

Instead they’ve decided to start the relocation of just over 32,000 in October.

The remainder will be allocated in December.

“It is clear: member states must deliver on the promises made at the European Council last month…..I want to be frank with you: I am disappointed that this did not happen today but it was a very important step forward, “ said EU Commissioner for migration , Dimitris Avramopoulos.

The 40,000 figure was proposed by the European Commission following the deaths of nearly 800 people in the Mediterranean in April.

While some states have agreed to take some migrants others have refused.

Germany has offered the most places – 10,500 for asylum seekers and 1,600 for migrants, followed by France with 6,752 places for asylum seekers and 2,375 for migrants.

Although the UK, Denmark and Ireland are allowed to opt out of the programme under EU