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OPINION (COM(2025)0186 – C100069/2025 – 2025/0101(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at Union level

AFET-AD-776982

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Marco Tarquinio

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The committee opinion amends the proposed regulation on a Union list of safe countries of origin, arguing that many listed countries are not safe and that the proposal undermines asylum rights. It calls for stricter conditions for designation, including continuous review, and deletion of the 20% recognition rate criterion. It also demands transparency of sources and safeguards for vulnerable groups.

Committee position. The Committee on Foreign Affairs proposes amendments to the lead committee to tighten conditions for safe country designation, delete the 20% criterion, and ensure procedural safeguards.

Key points

  1. The opinion argues that countries in the Commission's proposed list cannot be considered safe due to documented human rights violations.
  2. It warns that the proposal undermines the right to effective remedy and externalises EU protection obligations.
  3. It criticizes the lack of procedural safeguards, including the burden of proof shift and shortened deadlines.
  4. It notes the Commission failed to publish criteria and sources, violating CJEU requirements for transparency.
  5. It rejects the 20% EU-wide recognition rate as a threshold, citing significant protection needs and regional variations.
  6. It states candidate status alone is insufficient for safety designation and calls for including risks like democratic backsliding.
  7. It applies the same methodology to potential candidate countries.
  8. It finds no grounds to designate Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia as safe.
  9. Amendments require compliance with Article 61 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 and add safeguards for vulnerable groups.
  10. Amendments require transparent, accessible sources and continuous review of candidate countries, with deletion of the 20% criterion.
  11. Amendments stress the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the border procedure's purpose.
  12. Amendments require full respect for the Charter, including Articles 18, 19, and 47.

Who is affected

  • Asylum applicants from countries proposed as safe, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia.
  • EU candidate countries and potential candidates for EU membership.
  • Vulnerable groups such as LGBTIQ persons, victims of gender-based violence, and minorities.

Figures and deadlines

  • 20% recognition rate threshold is rejected.