Brussels – The European Commission proposed a new list of safe third countries on Wednesday, which includes Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. This marks the first EU-wide designation aimed at streamlining the asylum process, as applications from these nations typically have low approval rates. National lists will still be maintained alongside this EU-wide framework.
Several EU member states already operate their own lists of safe countries of origin. The introduction of a mandatory EU list aims to create a more consistent approach across the bloc. For instance, Austria has its own list, designating Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ghana, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Georgia, Armenia, Benin, Senegal, Namibia, South Korea, and Uruguay as safe third countries for asylum seekers.
The EU is also looking to implement two regulations from the asylum and migration pact, scheduled to take effect in June 2026, ahead of time. This initiative aims to expedite the processing of applications deemed likely to be unfounded.
Processing times reduced to three months
Under the Commission’s proposal, asylum applications from nationals of recognized safe countries will be processed more swiftly, with a maximum processing time reduced to three months, compared to the standard six months. The rationale is that applications from these countries generally have a low success rate. Nevertheless, member states are obligated to assess each application individually, regardless of the applicant’s country of origin. Being categorized as a safe country does not ensure the safety of every national from that country.
The Commission also notes that EU candidate countries usually meet the criteria for classification as safe countries of origin. However, there are exceptions, particularly in cases of war or widespread violence, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine or countries under EU-imposed sanctions.
This list was developed based on analyses conducted by the EU asylum agency along with input from member states, UNHCR, and the European External Action Service. The list can be modified or expanded, although the Commission has not specified when this might occur. Ongoing evaluations will consider factors like the volume of arrivals and the acceptance rates of asylum applications from these designated countries.
The proposal requires approval from the EU Parliament and member states. Additionally, member countries could implement accelerated border procedures for individuals from nations where less than 20 percent of applicants receive international protection in the EU. This reform is part of a broader effort to tighten existing asylum regulations, aiming to reduce irregular migration.
“Our proposal regarding safe countries of origin is intended to speed up national asylum procedures. It’s essential that we assist EU member states in processing asylum cases more efficiently and quickly,” stated EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP). Many member states are currently facing significant backlogs in asylum application processing, making it crucial to implement measures that support faster decision-making. (16.04.2025)
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