EU Nations Approve Tougher Migration Rules, Plan Return Hubs Outside Bloc

European Union member states have endorsed a major tightening of migration rules, including the creation of “return hubs” outside the 27-country bloc for failed asylum-seekers.

The decision was taken Monday at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels, who backed measures originally proposed by the European Commission.

The move comes amid mounting public pressure across Europe to curb migration flows. However, the new rules will still require approval from the European Parliament before they can take effect.

Analysts say the plan reflects growing political momentum within the EU to externalize migration management, while raising questions about human rights protections and cooperation with non-EU countries.