Tougher rules for asylum seekers whose refugee applications are denied have been drawn up by EU Leaders. 

The agreement at an EU summit, which was attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, comes in response to growing concern among member states about a surge in people seeking asylum.

The phenomenon is causing pressure in several countries - many of whom are also hosting millions of refugees from countries such as Ukraine and Syria.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said ‘pilot projects’ relying on the EU's border patrol, asylum agencies and police will implement "fast and fair asylum procedures" at the bloc's external borders.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. (John Thys/Pool Photo via AP)

Leaders at the summit also agreed that one EU country can use a court decision in another EU member state, to return an irregular migrant to their home country.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government would take a “firm” stance against failed asylum seekers. 

“I think when it comes to migration we need to be fair and firm and hard,” he said. 

“We need to be fair with refugees because refugees are welcome in Ireland and people who need our protection should get it. 

“We also need to be firm with people who come to Ireland with a false story or false pretences - we need to be firm with them - and say that we are going to make a quick decision on your application and that we will return you to your country of origin and people expect that.” 

Main image: A split of Ursula Von der Leyen and passport control.