After months of negotiation, EU leaders on Friday agreed a new five-year programme for closer co-operation in asylum and migration policy.
Under the so-called Hague Programme, a common asylum policy is foreseen by 2010.
From next year, all decisions in this area, which includes border controls, illegal immigration and asylum, will be taken by majority voting.
Legal immigration will remain as an exception to this rule.
"[The] Europe of tomorrow will be a Europe without ...
Back our independent journalism by becoming a supporting member
Already a member? Login here