EU welcomes France, UK cooperation over migration crisis

 Senior European Union (EU) officials on Thursday welcomed British and French authorities' cooperation over migration situation in Calais and highlighted efforts in dealing with migration pressure in Europe.

European Commission's First Vice President Frans Timmermans and Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos made the remarks in a joint statement.

It said the very operational measures announced in Calais by French and British ministers "will help speed up the processing of the asylum seekers and ensure the swift return of the irregular migrants."

EU officials announced that they will both visit Calais on 31st of August to discuss next steps.

They said the European Commission is deeply committed to delivering every aspect of the European Agenda on Migration, and to support Member States in dealing with the current migration crisis.

"Managing migration is not just about emergencies, but also about long-term solutions," they said, adding that "We need a permanent emergency relocation mechanism."

Officials said the Commission has proposals ready, calling for the commitments of Member States.