EU countries reach historic agreement on migration and asylum reforms.

EU countries have agreed to a major deal to overhaul the bloc's asylum procedures, which would change how asylum seekers are processed at the border and how they are relocated across Europe. Italy's support was crucial as it is one of the countries that receives the highest number of asylum seekers in the EU. The deal was signed off by 21 countries, with Italy giving its blessing after a grueling gathering of home affairs ministers in Luxembourg. The agreement paves the way for difficult negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission, putting the EU on course to finalize the whole package ahead of the European elections next June.