European lawmakers on Tuesday approved a significant tightening of the European Union’s asylum system, advancing rules that allow faster rejections of claims and broader transfers of asylum seekers outside the bloc.
The vote reflects a continued hardening of EU migration policy shaped by political shifts since large-scale arrivals in 2015 and 2016 and comes amid rising support for anti-immigration parties across member states.
The changes still require formal approval by the governments of the EU’s 27 member countries and are part of the broader Migration Pact adopted in 2023, with full implementation scheduled for June 2026.
At the core of the overhaul is a revision of the Asylum Procedures Regulation that expands the concept of “safe countries” and “safe third countries.”
Under the new framework, EU states may reject applications if protection could have been obtained in a country deemed safe, even if the applicant has no prior connection to that country.
The legislation also enables the creation of “return hubs” outside the EU, similar to facilities Italy has established in Albania.
Lawmakers also approved the EU’s first list of “safe countries of origin,” including Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco and Tunisia, along with most EU candidate countries.
Applicants from these states will face accelerated procedures designed to shorten decision timelines.
The measures passed with support from the European People’s Party, conservatives and far-right groups, while socialists and many liberals voted against, exposing fractures within the parliamentary coalition backing the European Commission.
Supporters argue the changes align with international law and reduce prolonged processing within Europe.
"This vote will allow EU member states to really make use of cooperation with third countries in a different manner than before," said German lawmaker Lena Düpont.
Critics warn the reforms risk undermining asylum protections and exposing applicants to harm.
"These new texts represent a further step in the dehumanisation of the European Union’s migration policy, trampling on fundamental rights and the dignity of individuals," said French Green lawmaker Mélissa Camara.
Humanitarian organisations have also raised concerns about weakened appeal safeguards and the potential for transfers before courts review cases.