The European Parliament has voted to tighten the rules for granting asylum. On Tuesday, amendments to the relevant EU regulation were adopted.
MEPs approved the creation of a list of safe countries of origin by 408 votes in favor, 184 against, and 60 abstentions. They also adopted an agreement on the regulation applying the concept of a safe third country, with 396 votes in favor, 226 against, and 30 abstentions.
Once the amendments are approved by the European Council, the EU will introduce a new common list of safe countries of origin. The list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Kosovo, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. Under the new rules, each applicant will be required to prove that this designation should not apply in their individual case due to well-founded fears of persecution or the risk of serious harm if returned to their country. EU candidate countries will also be considered safe countries of origin unless circumstances indicate otherwise, such as an armed conflict or sanctions.
The European Commission will monitor the situation in the countries included in the list and in candidate countries and will respond if circumstances change. It may temporarily recognize a country as unsafe or propose its permanent removal from the list.
Member states will be able to designate additional safe countries of origin at the national level.
The safe third country principle will also be applied, for example if an applicant transited through a third country on the way to the EU and could have sought effective protection there, or if there is an agreement or arrangement with a third country at the bilateral, multilateral, or EU level to accept asylum seekers. Such applicants may be denied asylum.
The amendments will also allow EU countries to deport refugees to asylum centers in countries with which they have no connection.
These rules are part of the EU’s migration and asylum package, which is due to enter into force in June 2026. Some provisions may be applied earlier.
