Hungary Vetoes Turkey-EU Migrant Proposals

Refugees wait to cross from Greece to Macedonia

Proposals for a deal between Europe and Turkey on dealing with the migration crisis have hit their first obstacle, with a veto from Hungary.

Sky News understands the latest draft proposal says that Turkey will take back all irregular migrants who arrive in Greece from a certain yet-to-be-determined date.

The second part of the deal would see the EU admitting genuine refugees on a one-for-one basis: every irregular migrant Turkey takes back will mean that the EU will accept a refugee.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu earlier told the talks in Brussels: "With these new proposals we aim to rescue refugees, discourage those who misuse and exploit their situation and find a new era in Turkey-EU relations."

In exchange, would get €6bn (£4.6bn) to help Syrian refugees stay in Turkey, faster visa-free travel for its citizens and renewed talks aimed at granting its membership of the 28-country bloc.

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   Gallery: Plight Of Refugees On Greek-Macedonian Border
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   Gallery: Plight Of Refugees On Greek-Macedonian Border

But on Monday evening, a Hungarian Government spokesman said their prime minister Viktor Orbán had refused to support them.

The leaders are understood to be unable to agree on the proposals but are prepared to work on them over the coming days, according to an EU official quoted by Reuters news agency.

Sky News Europe Correspondent Mark Stone said: "It appears that the Turkish prime minister, on behalf of his president, has come to Brussels today to drive a particularly hard bargain.

Video: March: Migrants' Misery

"In practise, it's hardly very achievable with the current number of arrivals. But it's a neat way of sending a message to migrants and refugees not to come."
Stone said Turkey wants to use the money to improve conditions for refugees remaining in the country.

"If it can get that money from the EU then the result of that will be to stem the flow, because these people will be happy to remain in Turkey, instead of coming to Europe.

"Turkey is asking for an awful lot and, for now at least, it's something the EU cannot agree on."

Video: March: Migrants Stop Train

Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK would not be part of any of the migrant re-distribution plans.