A number of countries have been officially designated as safe countries of origin. Additionally, the implementation of a model similar to the British cooperation with Rwanda is being considered.
The European Parliament has given its final consent to two key legislative changes. Member states will now be able to deport refugees to third countries even if the individuals have no prior connection to them. Furthermore, deputies in Strasbourg approved a list of countries that the European Union classifies as safe countries of origin.
In the future, EU countries will be required to process asylum applications in an accelerated manner for migrants from India, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Kosovo. The leadership of the bloc operates under the assumption that individuals in these regions are sufficiently protected from persecution or violations of fundamental rights.
By default, candidates for EU membership are also recognized as safe, provided there is no ongoing war and no gross violations of human rights. Such a classification means that the burden of proof regarding the need for protection now rests much more heavily on the applicants themselves.
The European Commission has committed to monitoring the situation in these regions and responding if conditions change. The establishment of a unified list of safe states at the pan-European level is an innovation, although Germany already maintained its own similar list. Individual countries retain the right to supplement this list at the national level.
Foundation for Implementing the Rwanda Model
The amended rules for dealing with third countries create a framework for implementing a scheme previously attempted by the United Kingdom. Moving forward, asylum applications can be rejected without a substantive review inside the EU if the applicant had the opportunity to seek protection in a safe third country. Such states now include more than just those where a refugee previously lived or has relatives.
EU nations have gained the right to conclude agreements with partners to receive migrants and verify their documents on-site. An exception is provided for unaccompanied minors. These provisions are part of the pan-European migration package taking effect in June 2026, though some norms may be applied earlier.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner described this decision as a European migration turning point. In his speech, Brunner emphasized: “The Parliament’s decision gives member states more flexibility in cooperating with partners, reduces the burden on our asylum systems, and strengthens control over migration flows.”
The new rules were passed without the support of the traditional majority of conservatives, social democrats, and liberals. Instead, the project was approved with the backing of right-wing and far-right parties. The expected consent of the European Council is considered a technical formality.
Source: kna, epd
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