Donald Tusk: Europe must move fast to save Schengen plan and tighten border control

Europe is in a “race against time” to save its system of passport-free travel and must move fast to tighten control of migration over its external borders, European Council President Donald Tusk warned.

A two-day summit held in Malta was meant to focus on how to send back those who do not qualify for asylum to Africa and discourage others from attempting the risky journey across the seas in search of a better life.

However, the gathering of EU and African leaders quickly became overshadowed by fears that one of Europe’s prized benefits, the ease of travel through its Schengen passport-free area, was unravelling.