The European Union and the Turkish government struck an accord Friday to contain Europe's largest migrant crisis since World War II, agreeing to a deal that turns Turkey into the region's refugee camp and leaves untold thousands stranded in a country with a deteriorating record on human rights.
After a day and half of wrangling, European leaders and Turkey hashed out the specifics of a broad agreement announced last week that was the brainchild of the Turks and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Under the deal coming into effect Sunday, virtually all migrants — including Syrians fleeing war — who attempt to enter Europe via the Aegean Sea will be sent back to Turkey.
Merkel said had this message for migrants after the deal was struck: “If and when you embark on this perilous journey, you now have very little prospect of success.
The purpose is to end the business model of the traffickers.”