The European Conservatives and Reformists Group welcomes the adoption of the European Union list of safe countries of origin in the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs as a key step towards migration rules that are clear, credible and applicable in practice.

ECR Rapporteur Alessandro Ciriani stressed that the proposal is essential in providing the European Union with migration rules that Member States can apply swiftly while fully respecting fundamental rights and international obligations. “This proposal represents a crucial step in equipping the Union with clearer, more coherent and truly applicable rules in the management of migratory flows. The aim is to provide Member States with adequate tools that allow swift decisions, while never failing to fully respect fundamental rights and international obligations. Only with credible and applicable rules can we strengthen Europe’s ability to manage flows and protect citizens,” he said.

Ciriani noted that the work in committee had improved the overall quality of the text and clarified several sensitive points. “I wish to thank colleagues for their commitment and for the technical contributions made during the examination. Today’s result shows that the Parliament is ready to put forward an organic and responsible position,” he said.

Ciriani underlined that this vote marks only the beginning of the institutional process and called for continued balance and responsibility in the stages ahead.

He said:

“It is important to underline that this is the first step in an institutional process: at this stage it is necessary to maintain balance and responsibility. The work we have started must now be transformed into concrete results, compatible with the European legal framework and with the fundamental principles that guide us.

“This moment carries significant political weight: it shows that when there is a willingness for dialogue and technical rigour, the Union can equip itself with more coherent and effective instruments.”

Ciriani said he is confident that the plenary will move the file forward with the same sense of responsibility. “I trust that Parliament will now take the next step so that Europe can finally equip itself with a solid and credible framework for managing migratory flows,” he said.

The plenary is expected to decide on opening negotiations with the Council, allowing talks to begin once endorsed.