In the latest from Europe and the Syrian refugee crisis, EU leaders have pledged $1.1 Billion as aid to the U.N. agencies helping refugees in the Middle East.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Speaks Out About Refugee Crisis

CNBC reports that the announcement was made by the chairman of the EU, Donald Tusk, at a special summit held to discuss the crisis. While the EU is willing to pump in money needed to help the refugees it is not necessarily stepping it up when it comes to taking in refugees. At the summit there was also talk of tightening the borders and holding a meeting with the Turkish President to put a check on the number of migrants reaching Greece.

"Today's meeting and this atmosphere are a very positive sign," Tusk said. "It's quite a symbolic moment for me as it's clear we have stopped this risky blame game."

2.2 Million Refugees Cost Turkey $7.6 Billion 

Angela Merkel also spoke out about how Germany had been criticized for taking in as many refugees and causing trouble for their Eastern neighbors.

"We know that the problem is not solved with the decision taken. But we have taken one of many necessary steps. I got the feeling that we want to tackle this task together," she said.

Seems like the summit has been constructive for most of the nations and their differing views on the crisis, and also helped clear the air a little bit. Eventually it helped arrive at a sense of solidarity if the joint statement is to be trusted:

"We can only manage this challenge by working together in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility."

Tags: Syrian Refugee Update