The EU has unveiled a plan that labels seven countries as safe origin nations, allowing for expedited asylum processing, amid ongoing migration reforms prompted by significant influxes since 2015.
EU Designates Seven Safe Countries to Expedite Asylum Processes
EU Designates Seven Safe Countries to Expedite Asylum Processes
The European Union's new strategy aims to streamline asylum applications by recognizing seven nations as "safe," significantly impacting migrant returns.
In a move to accelerate refugee and asylum applications, the European Union has officially designated seven countries as safe origins: Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. Under this new policy, claims from migrants from these nations will be fast-tracked, with a three-month processing timeline, under the presumption of expected denial rates.
Markus Lammert, a representative from the European Commission, indicated that this would be a "dynamic list," subject to updates whereby certain countries may gain or lose their status based on safety assessments. The initiative follows the notable surge of irregular migration that began in 2015-2016, prompting EU members to call for legislative reforms on asylum procedures. While a migration and asylum agreement was reached last year, it is set to take effect only in June 2026. As a result, the Commission is looking to implement pressing rules that facilitate quicker migrant returns.
The proposed regulations allow member states to accelerate processing for individuals from designated safe countries or from nations where less than 20% of applicants receive protection. Notably, aspirant EU countries automatically qualify as safe unless exceptions arise, such as ongoing conflict similar to the situation in Ukraine.
Italy has been particularly active in advocating for these reforms, reflecting the substantial number of migrants it has encountered. In an effort to manage irregular migration, some nations, including Germany, have even reintroduced border controls.
Countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt have seen significant emigration flows in recent years, prompting policy discussions. Italy's right-wing government, led by Giorgia Meloni, applauded the list's creation, especially with three countries deemed safe amidst criticisms populating the political landscape.
However, the plan's ratification is contingent upon approval from the European Parliament and member nations, with some human rights organizations voicing concerns over the classification of these countries as safe. EuroMed Rights pointed out that labeling these nations as safe could be misleading, considering existing human rights abuses and inadequate protections for their citizens and migrants alike.
Commission spokesman Markus Lammert emphasized the EU's commitment to safeguarding individual assessments for each asylum application, reinforcing that human rights considerations will remain paramount in the evaluation process.
