Stakes Rise for Merkel as EU Remains Divided on Migration Burden

European leaders put on a brave face over their persisting differences on how to handle migration flows, even as the lack of tangible progress could further escalate a crisis that threatens to unravel the bloc’s passport-free travel area and create a rift in Germany’s governing coalition.

“There was a lot of goodwill today and, next to a few differences, a large amount of common ground,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said after an informal gathering of leaders in Brussels on Sunday. “We will continue to work toward a solution.”