Head of U.N.'s refugee agency to step down this year

The head of the U.N.'s refugee agency, Antonio Guterres, will step down at the end of this year and not seek a renewal of his mandate as the High Commissioner for Refugees, his spokeswoman said on Friday.

Guterres goes as Europe struggles with the biggest refugee crisis in the region since the Second World War with thousands of migrants seeking refuge from violence and hardship in the Middle East and Africa.

Confirming the news of his departure, Melissa Fleming: "He served over 10 years. His mandate was already extended by six months. It was originally supposed to end in June."

Earlier on Friday, Guterres had said that European Unionstates must make "fundamental changes" in policy to take in more refugees.

The EU's response to the refugee crisis would be a "defining moment" for the bloc, he said, warning that a divided EU would benefit only smugglers and traffickers.

"This is a defining moment for the European Union, and it now has no other choice but to mobilize full force around this crisis. The only way to solve this problem is for the Union and all member states to implement a common strategy, based on responsibility, solidarity and trust," Guterres said.

Denmark, whose rules on accepting refugees are seen as stricter than in other European countries, has nominated former Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt to replace him.