The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has welcomed the political agreement reached in trilogue on the first-ever EU list of safe countries of origin, describing it as a decisive shift towards a more effective, credible and enforceable EU asylum system.

The agreement establishes a common EU framework allowing asylum applications from designated safe countries of origin to be processed more swiftly, while maintaining individual safeguards. It also confirms that Member States retain the right to designate additional safe countries at national level and provides for monitoring and suspension mechanisms should circumstances change.

ECR Rapporteur Alessandro Ciriani underlined that the deal delivers long-overdue legal clarity and marks a turning point after years of political hesitation.

Ciriani said:

“This agreement provides Member States with tools they have been asking for for years. A common EU list of safe countries of origin brings legal certainty, faster procedures and a clearer focus on those genuinely in need of protection. It strengthens border management while fully respecting international obligations.”

He stressed that the outcome reflects a broader political realignment in the European Parliament, saying:

“This result shows that a new centre-right majority is capable of delivering on migration. Instead of endless debates, we are putting forward workable solutions that restore credibility to the EU’s asylum system.”

Under the agreement, certain provisions may apply ahead of the full entry into force of the Asylum Procedure Regulation in June 2026, enabling Member States to accelerate procedures for applicants from countries with consistently low asylum recognition rates.

The ECR Group has consistently argued that an effective asylum policy requires speed, clarity and enforceability, combined with effective returns and structured cooperation with third countries. The agreement reached in trilogue represents a concrete step in that direction.