As many as a million are expected to move to Germany alone this year, while Britain has opted out, and countries like Hungary and Greece who are already struggling are exempt.
Jean Claude Juncker will give his first state of the union address to the European Parliament this morning.
The speech is expected to outline a package of measures aimed at dealing with the refugee crisis – it could see Ireland asked to take in more people than the 600 already requested.
Mr Juncker will also outline his vision for the EU and give an update on implementing the commission's ten priorities.
The talk will be followed by a debate with MEP's.
It comes as the UNHCR – the UN Agency responsible for refugees – says 42-thousand people are waiting in Greece and Serbia to cross in to Hungary in the next 10 days.
Vincent Cochetel – the regional director for the UNHCR says refugees also have an obligation to apply the rule of international law.
