Asylum procedures in the EU are to be significantly tightened in view of the problems with illegal migration. In the future, people arriving from countries considered safe will be accommodated in strictly controlled reception facilities under conditions similar to those of detention after crossing the border.
There, it would normally be checked within twelve weeks whether the applicant has a chance of asylum. If not, it should be returned immediately. Countries that do not want to take in refugees would be forced to pay compensation. The plans adopted on Thursday also provide for more solidarity with heavily burdened member states at the EU's external borders.