The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on new rules for the application of the Safe Third Country concept, marking an important step towards a more effective and credible EU asylum system.

ECR Shadow Rapporteur MEP Assita Kanko underlined that the agreement delivers long-awaited flexibility and legal clarity for Member States.

Kanko said:

“This is a major step towards a better-functioning EU asylum system. Member States will be able to introduce more efficient procedures and, at the same time, undermine the business model of human smugglers.”

Under the agreement, Member States will be able to designate non-EU countries as safe third countries and conclude agreements allowing asylum applications to be examined there. Appeals against inadmissibility decisions will no longer automatically grant the right to remain in the EU during the appeal process, reducing prolonged legal uncertainty and restoring trust in asylum systems.

“By making procedures more efficient and predictable, we are putting an end to years-long legal limbo that benefits no one — neither Member States nor asylum seekers,” Kanko said.

The ECR Group also highlights that the agreement fully safeguards fundamental rights and remains in line with international human rights law. Individual assessments will continue to apply in every case, ensuring that effective protection is available where needed.

“Those who need protection must receive it, but not necessarily in the EU. What matters is that protection is real, effective and assessed on an individual basis,” Kanko said.

The agreement introduces transparency obligations for Member States and maintains specific safeguards for unaccompanied minors, who will in principle be excluded from the application of the Safe Third Country concept.

Concluding, Kanko pointed to a changing political dynamic in the Parliament, saying: “Thanks to strong cooperation among centre-right forces, we have delivered a realistic and humane solution despite repeated attempts by the left to block progress.”