France, Oct. 18 -- Migrants seeking asylum illegally in Europe will face tougher conditions starting Friday, after an EU summit in Brussels agreed that countries outside the 27-nation bloc could handle returns to their original homes.

"New ways to prevent and counter irregular migration should be considered, in line with EU and international law," the leaders said in the conclusions of their one-day meeting.

The European Council called for "determined action at all levels to facilitate, increase and speed up returns from the European Union," adding that the European Commission should begin drafting new laws to enforce these recommendations.

Danish Prime Minsiter Mette Frederiksen told the summit: "Things are changing in the EU. Now the...