European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker speaks during a press conference at the end of the special EU summit with Western Balkan nations situated along the migrant routes into Europe in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 26, 2015. The European Union (EU) and Balkan countries are seeking further cooperation on tackling migrant crisis at a mini summit held here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei)

　　BRUSSELS, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from 11 European countries on Sunday agreed on a 17-point plan of action to tackle challenges arising from refugee flows along the Western Balkans route.

　　They will nominate contact points within 24 hours to allow daily exchanges and coordination to achieve gradual, controlled and orderly movement of refugees along the route.

　　Countries along the route pledged to work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and increase efforts to manage borders.

　　European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that refugees need to be treated in a humane manner along the route to avoid a humanitarian tragedy in Europe.

　　"I am therefore pleased that today we were able to jointly agree on a 17-point plan of pragmatic and operational measures to ensure people are not left to fend for themselves in the rain and cold," he said.

　　Related:

　　EU official says disunity over refugees reveals Europe's "existential crisis": official

　　BRUSSELS, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Politicians face an urgent task to overcome both public distrust and tensions among governments that threaten the future of Europe, European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans warned here Thursday at the opening of Friends of Europe's annual State of Europe debate.

　　"The challenge to the European project today is existential," Timmermans said. "The refugee crisis has brought that to light. What was unimaginable before now becomes imaginable, namely the disintegration of the European project."Full Story

　　UN agency warns of cold winter faced by millions of displaced, refugees, migrants in Europe

　　UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The first winter weather, including freezing temperatures, rain and storms, has arrived in many parts of Central and South Eastern Europe and is already affecting refugees and migrants arriving or transiting through those areas, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Friday.

　　"The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has responded by distributing raincoats, blankets and basic relief items. Between now and February 2016, and subject to funding being available, winter relief packages will be distributed to the most vulnerable," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "Winter plans also include targeted provision of emergency shelters including family tents, refugee housing units and emergency reception facilities, and supporting efforts to improve reception and waiting areas and preparing or adapting them to winter conditions."Full Story