EU leaders embrace foreign 'return centres' to counter illegal migration

Most EU governments view the influx of irregular migrants as a political and security threat, driving the rise of far-right and populist parties across the continent. AP - Matthias Schrader

Migrants seeking asylum illegally in Europe will face tougher conditions starting Friday, after an EU summit in Brussels agreed that countries outside the 27-nation bloc could handle returns to their original homes.

“New ways to prevent and counter irregular migration should be considered, in line with EU and international law,” the leaders said in the conclusions of their one-day meeting.