EU leaders are holding a video conference to discuss the use of a emergency relief fund amid divisions between northern and southern Europe over the way forward. However, they won’t issue a joint statement.

“We don’t think this is the time for a drafting session in the European Council”, - a senior EU official said, as the EU Council President Charles Michel is expected to issue a presidential statement that does not require the EU27’s unanimity.

In an invitation letter sent to EU Heads of state and government, Michel suggested that the bloc agrees to “work towards establishing such a fund as soon as possible”. EU leaders are also expected to ink a €540 bn rescue package agreed by Eurozone finance ministers on April 9.