EU countries have agreed on a significant tightening of Europe’s immigration policy, including endorsing the idea of setting up “return hubs” outside the bloc where failed asylum-seekers can be sent. 

Interior ministers meeting in Brussels agreed on a package of tougher measures as respective governments come under pressure from souring of public opinion on migration that has also improved the prospects of far-right parties. 

Put forward by the European Commission earlier this year, the changes need to be approved by the European Parliament before coming into force. 

But they would allow the opening of centres outside the European Union’s borders to which migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected would be sent. 

Also included are harsher penalties for migrants who refuse to leave European territory, including through longer periods of detention. 

Countries will be able to send returning migrants to countries that are not their countries of origin, but which Europe considers “safe”. 

A decline in irregular entries to Europe – down by about 20 per cent so far this year compared to 2024 – has not eased controversy and partisan ship on immigration. 

Bu migrant and refugee activists have slammed to new measures. 

European Policy Centre analyst Silvia Carta would push many people into legal limbo. 

“Instead of investing in safety, protection, and inclusion, the EU is choosing policies that will push more people into danger and legal limbo,” Ms Carta said. 

And some EU nations have questioned the moves. 

France called into questioned the legality and effectiveness of some of the proposals, while Spain was not convinced “return hubs” could work after several unsuccessful trials by other countries. 

But the new measures have support from centre-right and far-right politicians across the EU. 

EU countries have also agreed on Monday on implementing a new “solidarity” system for distributing at least 30,000 asylum seekers among member countries. 

Under a recently approved reform to help relieve pressure on countries that see large numbers of arrivals, such as Greece and Italy, other EU members are expected to take in some or pay 20,000 euros ($40,000) per person to the countries under pressure. 

Commentators say that governments who agree to take extra asylum seekers could face political blowbacks.