ROME - At a meeting of European Union Commissioners in Brussels on Wednesday, it was announced that plans to relocate 40,000 migrants over the next two years, have been given the green light. According to EU sources, this figure will include 24,000 from Italy and 16,000 from Greece.

 The issue concerning the relocation of migrants within European Union countries via a quota system has been attracting widespread opposition in recent weeks. Currently around 10 member states have registered their disapproval to the plan with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls saying last week “I am against the introduction of quotas for migrants. This has never been in line with French proposals.”

 The crucial dates for this proposal will fall on June 15 when the plan will be debated by the European Council for Interior Ministers and on June 26 when it will form part of the agenda at a summit for EU leaders.

 Previously the European Union has stated that no migrant would be sent back having arrived on the continent, however the EU Commission today announced that these approved proposals, would only apply to Syrians and Eritreans who arrived after April 15 this year. Plans concerning other migrants, who have arrived in Europe following dangerous Mediterranean crossings, have not yet been made public.