France, Dec. 8 -- EU countries have given their backing to the tightening of Europe's migration rules, endorsing for the first time the creation of "return hubs" outside the bloc for people whose asylum claims have been rejected.

The move marks an acceleration in the EU's migration overhaul, driven by political pressure across the continent and a surge in support for right-wing and far-right parties.

Meeting in Brussels on Monday, EU interior ministers voted for the first time on three migration proposals unveiled earlier this year by the European Commission.

Together, they aim to clamp down more firmly on irregular arrivals and speed up the removal of people who are not granted the right to stay.

At the heart of the package is a plan...