(Photo: REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq)

The plan calls for stepping up returns and strengthening cooperation with third countries to better manage migration flows to Europe, including urging countries to take back their nationals who are denied the right to remain in the EU.

The European Parliament is currently examining draft legislation proposed by the European Commission that would allow the creation of so-called “return hubs” outside EU territory to facilitate deportations.

The EU also plans to tighten visa rules for countries that refuse to cooperate in accepting deported citizens, while streamlining procedures to attract skilled workers.