European Commission’s Tusk warns Europe against Schengen collapseNovember 13, 2015 - 12:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Council president warned on Thursday, November 12, that Europe faces a "race against time" to save the Schengen free-travel zone, as a plan to halt the influx of migrants from Africa unraveled and Sweden became the latest EU state to implement border controls, the Telegraph reports. “Saving Schengen is a race against time and we are determined to win that race. Without effective control on our external borders, the Schengen rules will not survive,” said Donald Tusk. "Time is running out," he added later. After a fierce response from African leaders at a summit in the Maltese capital, EU proposals to deport African migrants were radically watered down, with a final text saying that failed asylum seekers should ideally be “voluntarily” sent home – raising serious questions about how many can be expected to leave. A fundraising drive designed to buy African consent fell badly short. Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, wanted states to volunteer €1.8 billion in aid, to be matched from central EU funds. But leaders offered a total of just €78 million, less than a twentieth of the target. A marble statue erected to mark the meeting suddenly appeared hubristic. “For the saving of banks, in one night we have hundreds of millions of euros. For saving lives, we are relatively reluctant,” said Martin Schulz, the president of the European Parliament. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |