TL:DR – European Parliament approves asylum reform allowing transfers to third countries
• On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved a legislative change allowing asylum seekers to be transferred to unrelated countries before claims are processed.
• The change to the Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR) removes the requirement for a link to a transfer country.
• German MEP Lena Düpont stated the change enables EU cooperation with third countries for migration management.
• The change was passed with 396 votes in favour, led by the European People’s Party and right-wing groups, while 226 voted against.
• Concerns were raised about risks for asylum seekers from civil society organisations, including ECRE, regarding their safety in third countries.
• On the same day, the Parliament approved a list of “safe countries of origin,” including Bangladesh and India, to expedite asylum processing.
European Parliament clears way for transferring asylum seekers to unrelated countries
The European Parliament approved on Tuesday a legislative change that allows asylum seekers arriving in the European Union to be transferred to unrelated countries prior to having their claims processed. This change to the “safe third country” concept, as part of the Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR), removes the previous requirement for a link between an applicant and a transfer country, enabling national authorities to relocate individuals to nations they have never visited.
This decision is significant as it facilitates cooperation between EU states and foreign governments to accept migrants from Europe, similar to arrangements made by the previous United Kingdom government with Rwanda. The new regulation states that asylum seekers can be moved to virtually any country, provided there is an agreement in place and the country is deemed “safe” in accordance with international standards.
Regulations and Safeguards for Asylum Seekers
Under the new provisions, the protection of asylum seekers from persecution and serious harm is mandated, alongside respect for the principle of non-refoulement. They will be ensured access to a functioning asylum system, which includes education and work permits as well as residence rights. However, this new regulation will not apply to unaccompanied minors, whose cases will still be processed within European countries or relevant transit countries.
Lena Düpont, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Germany and rapporteur of the file, stated, “This vote will allow EU member states to really make use of cooperation with third countries in a different manner than before,” suggesting that the change aligns with international law and could reduce delays in the European asylum system.
Parliamentary Voting and Opposition
The legislative change was approved with 396 votes in favour, 226 against, and 30 abstentions, marking a division within the European Parliament. The European People’s Party (EPP), along with the right-wing European Conservatives (ECR) and far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), supported the bill, while the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe largely opposed it.
Concerns raised by S&D MEP Cecilia Strada, reported by Euronews, argue that the removal of the connection criterion could lead to the instrumentalisation of asylum seekers by third countries seeking financial agreements. The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) has also expressed worries that the legislation may heighten risks for vulnerable demographics, including survivors of violence and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Approval of Safe Countries of Origin List
On the same day, the European Parliament approved the first EU list of “safe countries of origin” for asylum purposes, which includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia, along with all candidate countries for EU membership excluding Ukraine. This new classification aims to expedite the asylum process, allowing for fast-track procedures for applications from nationals of these countries.