The European Union has officially named seven countries—Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia—as "safe countries of origin," part of an initiative designed to expedite asylum claims and return procedures. This development implies that asylum seekers from these nations might have their applications processed within three months, on the presumption that their claims are likely to be unsuccessful.
Markus Lammert, a representative of the European Commission, indicated that this list could be modified over time as countries may be added or removed based on their safety status. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to reform asylum processes in response to the surge of irregular migration experienced in 2015-2016.
The EU has been pushing for changes since a migration and asylum pact was established last year, which does not become operational until mid-2026. The urgent need for faster processing has arisen as recent data suggests that under 20% of individuals ordered to leave were actually returned to their home countries.
According to the new proposals, EU member states would be granted the capability to fast-track migrants originating from the designated safe countries and those nations where only a small fraction of applicants gain protection. Additionally, candidate countries for EU membership will typically be classified as safe, with the understanding that exceptions will be made for countries experiencing conflict, such as Ukraine.
Italy has been a vocal advocate for these reforms amid a notable increase in migrants arriving since 2015. Other nations, including Germany, have also taken steps to control borders in a bid to manage irregular migration flows. The establishment of a unified EU list of safe countries is viewed as a potential deterrent for asylum seekers aiming for nations with more flexible regulations.
The list has received backing from Italy's right-wing government under Giorgia Meloni, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi calling it a reassuring affirmation for the country, particularly with the inclusion of Bangladesh, Egypt, and Tunisia. However, Italy's initiatives to relocate migrants from these regions to detention centers in Albania have faced legal challenges, as European Court of Justice rulings indicated that the safety of these countries cannot be presumed without consideration of various regional circumstances.
Although the new regulations will require the endorsement of both the European Parliament and EU member states, concerns have been raised by human rights organizations. The EuroMed Rights network has criticized the classification of these seven nations as safe due to documented human rights abuses and inadequate protections for both citizens and migrants. In response, Commission spokesman Markus Lammert reaffirmed that individual assessments for each asylum claim will remain a critical component of the process in compliance with EU law.
