The EU accelerates on migration, fast procedures and safe countries

Brussels (ANSA) – The European Commission is accelerating on migration and proposes to “speed up the implementation” of certain aspects of the Pact, which is set to come into force in June 2026. In particular, the EU executive proposes to bring forward two key elements of the asylum procedure regulation, with the aim of helping member states “to process asylum applications from applicants that may be unfounded more quickly and efficiently.”

It also proposes a list of safe countries at the community level and exceptions “for regions or categories of clearly identifiable individuals.” “Member states – says the Commission – can apply the border procedure or an accelerated procedure to people coming from countries where, on average, 20% or less of applicants receive international protection in the EU.”

Furthermore, safe third countries and safe countries of origin can be designated with exceptions, giving member states “greater flexibility” by excluding “specific regions” or “categories of clearly identifiable individuals.” The Commission also proposes to draw up a first EU list of safe countries of origin.

“Some member states already have national lists of safe countries of origin, the EU list will complement these lists and promote a more uniform application of the concept, allowing member states to process asylum requests from citizens coming from countries on the list with an accelerated procedure, as it is unlikely that such requests will be granted.”

The Commission proposes to draw up a first EU list that includes Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. The Commission also believes that candidate countries for EU membership meet, in principle, the criteria to be designated as safe countries of origin, as they are working to achieve the stability of institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and the respect and protection of minorities (April 16).