The European Union has reached a deal on tougher migration rules that would allow countries to set up so-called “return hubs” outside the bloc, a move hailed by supporters as a practical answer to stalled deportations, but denounced by rights groups as a dangerous step towards offshore detention. Meanwhile, the question of EU enlargement is also on the cards at a Western Balkans summit.
The agreement, struck on Monday between European lawmakers and member states, comes as Brussels is also looking eastwards with renewed urgency.
