EU approves tough new migration law, expanding 'return hubs' and detention powers

EU leaders agreed on a controversial Return Regulation to accelerate removals, enabling outside-EU return hubs (with unaccompanied minors exempt and families eligible), removing the requirement to return to origin or a connected country; the package also tightens detention up to two years with possible extensions, extends entry bans, and introduces a European Return Order, drawing civil-society criticism ahead of formal approval.