Brussels, Oct 14 (IANS): European Union members will meet on Thursday against the background of the mass migration and refugee crisis, while they will discuss setting up a possible EU border guard.

EU leaders will discuss migration aspects, including a possible EU border guard, offering support for the countries in the neighbourhood and the refugees there, and addressing the causes through cooperation with the countries of origin and transit, Xinhua quoted a European Council statement as saying on Wednesday.

"Let us be clear about one thing. The exceptionally easy access to Europe is one of the main pull factors," said European Council president Donald Tusk in his invitation letter ahead of the summit.

"Even if the influx of refugees slows down during winter, we must be ready for spring and the threat of bigger waves flowing to Europe. In fact, all the leaders spoke about millions of potential new refugees," he said.

Leaders will also take stock of the next steps with regard to the UK referendum on its membership of the EU, and the EU will confirm its commitment towards seeking viable solutions, said Tusk.