On February 10, 2026, the European Parliament approved new EU rules on the safe third country concept, establishing a common list of safe countries of origin that includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia[2]. The vote, with 408 in favor and 184 against, marks a significant step in the EU’s effort to streamline asylum procedures, though the text still requires formal adoption by the Council before becoming law[2]. This reform introduces a presumption that EU candidate countries are safe for their own nationals, further narrowing the scope for asylum claims from these regions[2].
Member states will now be empowered to apply accelerated procedures for asylum applications from individuals belonging to these listed groups, aiming to reduce the backlog in migration courts and processing centers[2]. The initiative is designed to curb irregular migration flows by quickly returning applicants from countries deemed to have low risks of persecution. However, critics argue that the list may overlook specific human rights concerns in certain nations, potentially violating international protection standards[2].
The approval of these rules reflects a growing political consensus in Brussels to prioritize border security and efficiency over expansive asylum protections. The European Parliament’s support signals a shift toward a more restrictive migration policy, aligning with the Commission’s broader agenda on migration and security. As the Council prepares for its formal adoption, the implementation of accelerated procedures will become a focal point for national governments managing migration challenges.
This development is part of a larger trend in EU policy-making that seeks to balance humanitarian obligations with the practical realities of border management. The safe third country concept has been a contentious issue in recent years, with debates focusing on its impact on vulnerable populations. The final adoption of the law will determine how swiftly the EU can operationalize these accelerated procedures across its member states.
