Markus Lammert from the European Commission outlined that this "dynamic list" could be evaluated and modified based on changing safety conditions in these countries. The move comes in response to the 2015-16 migrant surge, prompting EU states to reform asylum protocols. A migration and asylum agreement was struck last year, but since its implementation is not scheduled until June 2026, the EU is pushing to enact faster processing rules in the meantime.
With current figures showing less than 20% of migrants ordered to return to their home countries actually comply, EU authorities are focused on accelerating the return process. The newly proposed protocol permits member states to expedite cases from nations classified as safe, as well as those with a maximum of 20% approval rates for asylum claims. Notably, countries seeking EU membership are automatically considered safe unless special cases arise, such as ongoing conflicts.
Italy, one of the countries advocating for the reform, is experiencing a significant rise in migrants, resulting in stricter border policies from nations like Germany. An official EU list is expected to deter asylum seekers from targeting nations with more lenient regulations. Areas like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt have become notable points of departure for many irregular migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Giorgia Meloni's government in Italy has lauded the decision, with interior officials celebrating the inclusion of certain nations such as Bangladesh and Tunisia, particularly when met with political opposition. However, the country's attempts to detain migrants in Albania were halted by Italian judges and the European Court of Justice, emphasizing the need for thorough safety assessments.
While the EU's plan must still gain approval from the European Parliament and member states, it faces criticism from human rights organizations. EuroMed Rights has voiced concerns about categorizing these nations as safe, highlighting significant human rights abuses within them. Addressing these issues, Lammert underscored that under EU law, member states are obligated to conduct individualized evaluations of each asylum case.
As discussions continue, the plan reflects ongoing tensions within Europe regarding immigration policies and human rights obligations.
With current figures showing less than 20% of migrants ordered to return to their home countries actually comply, EU authorities are focused on accelerating the return process. The newly proposed protocol permits member states to expedite cases from nations classified as safe, as well as those with a maximum of 20% approval rates for asylum claims. Notably, countries seeking EU membership are automatically considered safe unless special cases arise, such as ongoing conflicts.
Italy, one of the countries advocating for the reform, is experiencing a significant rise in migrants, resulting in stricter border policies from nations like Germany. An official EU list is expected to deter asylum seekers from targeting nations with more lenient regulations. Areas like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt have become notable points of departure for many irregular migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Giorgia Meloni's government in Italy has lauded the decision, with interior officials celebrating the inclusion of certain nations such as Bangladesh and Tunisia, particularly when met with political opposition. However, the country's attempts to detain migrants in Albania were halted by Italian judges and the European Court of Justice, emphasizing the need for thorough safety assessments.
While the EU's plan must still gain approval from the European Parliament and member states, it faces criticism from human rights organizations. EuroMed Rights has voiced concerns about categorizing these nations as safe, highlighting significant human rights abuses within them. Addressing these issues, Lammert underscored that under EU law, member states are obligated to conduct individualized evaluations of each asylum case.
As discussions continue, the plan reflects ongoing tensions within Europe regarding immigration policies and human rights obligations.
