"Our experience tells us we need to refocus the debate at European level. There is too much talk of quotas, numbers and borders, and not enough of people. These are people who are fleeing war, persecution and destitution. How we treat them when they arrive in our local communities will determine the success of long term integration and social cohesion in Europe as whole," the letter published on the website said.
According to the EUROCITIES, the decision is to be taken in the crucial point in time will shape the future of the European Union.
"The guiding principles of solidarity, humanity and dignity upon which the European Union is founded should define our approach to the reception and integration of refugees. Particular focus needs to be put on the most vulnerable groups: women, children and unaccompanied minors. It falls to us, the leaders of major European cities, to get integration right," the mayors said.
The signatures to the letter included mayors of Nantes, Ghent, Leipzig, Barcelona, Florence, Ljubljana, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Vienna and Warsaw. as well as a Leader of Birmingham City Council.
World Refugee Day, dedicated to raising awareness on the situation of refugees throughout the world, is marked on June 20.
