Europe is 'close to the limits' of its ability to accept waves of refugees and economic migrants, one of the EU's most senior officials has warned.

European council president Donald Tusk delivered the stark message as he joined world leaders at the G20 summit in China.

The comments will fuel the raging row within the EU over how to deal with the huge movements of people displaced by war and poverty.

Thousands of migrants have been making perilous journeys across the Mediterranean hoping to find safety and a better life.

Donald Tusk delivered the stark warning at the G20 summit in China today

But leaders of the Brussels club are split on how to deal with the issue. German Chancellor Angela Merkel previously pledged to take in a million migrants, but is now facing a major domestic backlash, while other countries have imposed tougher border controls.

Speaking as the high-powered G20 gathering kicked of in Hangzhou, Mr Tusk said 'The practical capabilities of Europe to host new waves of refugees, not to mention irregular economic migrants, are close to the limits.'

Mr Tusk urged member countries to do more to support the world refugee population.

'In light of an unprecedented number of 65 million displaced people all over the world, the G20 community needs to scale up its share of responsibility,' he said.

'Only global efforts supporting refugees and their host communities will be able to bear fruit.

'That is why we want to encourage our partners to increase humanitarian and development aid, as well as refugee resettlement. We need to address the root causes that force millions of people to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.'

The meeting in Hangzhou, about one hour outside of Shanghai, is due to tackle issues including trade, terrorism and climate change.

It is the first major international gathering being attended by Theresa May.

The Prime Minister has held talks with Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin and Chinese premier Xi among other leaders.