Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-european-union-reaches-agreement-on-tougher-migration-rules Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript Audio In our news wrap Wednesday, the European Union announced a breakthrough agreement on tougher rules for migration, security and logistical challenges in Congo caused disruptions in the presidential election, junior doctors in England began a three-day strike against the National Health Service and new vehicles had a record high fuel economy rating in 2022 averaging 26 miles per gallon. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: The European Union announced a breakthrough agreement on new, tougher rules for migration. It came after overnight talks in Brussels and after a major influx of asylum seekers in recent years.E.U. leaders hailed provisions to share the cost of hosting migrants and to mandate screening of all arrivals at the bloc's borders. Margaritas Schinas, Vice President, European Commission: Today, with this historic agreement, we are opening a new chapter of a European migration that we want to be proud of. Every member state has issues that need to be addressed on a comprehensive, holistic European migration policy. Everyone's concerns need to be recognized, acknowledged and addressed. Amna Nawaz: Opponents of the pact argued it will weaken the rights of migrants and lead to lengthy detentions of minors.Meanwhile, lawmakers in France approved greater powers for authorities to deport foreigners deemed to be criminals or undesirable in other ways. It's subject to a final review before becoming law.Security and logistical challenges in Congo caused disruptions in today's presidential election. Almost 44 million people were expected to vote amid chaotic conditions. Crowds grew agitated after poll openings were delayed for hours in the capital city of Kinshasa. And smudged ink on voting cards slowed the process. As a result, balloting will be extended until tomorrow.In England so-called junior doctors began a three-day strike against the National Health Service. It's part of a long-running dispute over better pay. Doctors in the early stages of their careers are demanding a 35 percent hike to account for inflation. The government is offering about a 9 percent increase.Back in this country, new vehicles had a record high fuel economy rating in 2022, averaging 26 miles a gallon. The Environmental Protection Agency credits electric vehicles and hybrids for much of that increase. It says the improvement came despite rising sales of larger, heavier SUVs over sedans.And on Wall Street, disappointing corporate profits stopped the ongoing rally in its tracks. Major indices were down 1 to 1.5 percent. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 476 points to close at 37082. The Nasdaq fell 225 points. The S&P 500 dropped 70. Listen to this Segment Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Dec 20, 2023