Brussels, Sep 24 (IANS): Leaders of European Union (EU) member states gathered here on Wednesday for an informal summit to discuss an overall approach to the refugee crisis and the necessity to establish a credible European migration policy.

The summit was proposed by European Council President Donald Tusk, Xinhua reported.

"Today, our debate must be based on facts, not illusions and emotions," Tusk said, noting that there were eight million displaced people within Syria, while about four million have fled from Syria's to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

"This means that today we are talking about millions of potential refugees trying to reach Europe, not thousands," he said.

"After my visits to Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and other countries in the region, I realised that our partners are expecting our help to solve their refugee problems rather than thinking of how they can help us.

"It is likely that more refugees towards Europe will flow through their countries, not less," Tusk said.

Upon his arrival here, British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "We will be taking further actions today, what Europe needs more than ever is comprehensive approach to this migration crisis."

He noted that people need to stabilise the countries and regions from which the refugees are coming.

When it comes to Syria, Cameron said Britain had already given over $1.53 billion, more than any other country, other than the US.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said an united Europe means first of all sharing, calling for sharing of "responsibility, burden and capability, and common future".