BERLIN (AP) — The latest news as tens of thousands of people fleeing war or seeking a better life make their way across Europe. All times local.

1:30 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is underlining the need for "a fairer distribution in Europe" of refugees as European Union leaders prepare to meet this week with their African counterparts.

Germany saw 758,000 asylum-seekers arrive between January and October. Many other EU countries have been reluctant to take any significant number.

Merkel says in her weekly video message Saturday: "We must speak again and again about the fact that the question of how we deal with refugees is a common question for all European member states," at least those that have signed up for the Schengen passport-free travel area.

EU and African leaders will meet in Malta on Wednesday and Thursday. Merkel said Europe will discuss what countries it can conclude agreements with on taking back those whose asylum applications were rejected.

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12:25 p.m.

Swedish authorities say an empty building intended to house refugees has been burned to the ground in southwestern Sweden, the latest suspected arson fire to hit asylum centers or buildings being renovated for refugees.

Police in Vastra Gotaland say they suspect Saturday's blaze that raged through a cluster of buildings and destroyed one completely to be arson.

Earlier, a center housing unaccompanied children in southern Sweden had its windows smashed and anti-foreigner slogans sprayed on it. One person was detained in connection with the vandalism.

In recent weeks, the Scandinavian country has seen over 20 arson attacks as an influx of refugees has surged. Sweden says migration authorities are overstretched and up to 190,000 asylum-seekers are expected to arrive this year.