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EU tightened migration rules take effect, though doubts remain about impact

# An overhaul of immigration and asylum policy entered into force across the European Union yesterday, a decade in the ​making, as EU countries have come under pressure from far-right nationalist parties. The EU-wide agreement introduces stricter border controls, faster case processing, expanded ‌digital tools to track asylum applications and increased deportations. It was adopted in 2024 with a two-year implementation period. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the pact as fair and firm. Levels of readiness for the changes vary across the 27 EU member states.