Flaws built into the plan agreed at 3am

PLAN: The creation of migrant centres in EU countries FLAW:

Countries only have to agree to hold the camps on a ‘voluntary basis’, with EU leaders unlikely to sign up to the controversial proposals. Relocation of migrants from the centres is also voluntary, leaving hard-line governments free to say no. PLAN: The creation of asylum centres in North African countries FLAW: The camps will require

huge investment in politically unstable countries, potentially stretching to billions of pounds.

They are designed as places to return those rescued at sea but EU leaders admit they could become a ‘pull factor’, meaning asylum seekers would flock to them. No country has come forward to host a centre. PLAN: Invest in Africa to stem the possibility of another migration surge FLAW:

The investment of another €500million (£440million) to the EU Trust for Africa is supported by EU leaders, but the region’s political landscape remains highly fragile. Diplomats said the focus on Africa appeared ‘colonial’. PLAN: Step up the return of economic migrants FLAW:

The ability for EU countries to return economic migrants is plagued by an array of legal complications and international rules. Current efforts on the issue have produced only meagre progress. PLAN: Curb movement of asylum seekers who have registered in the EU already FLAW:

Although not a significant issue at present, member states fear they would once again be able to stop the flow of migrants across borders if there is a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.