BRUSSELS : Members of Parliament backed amendments to EU asylum procedure regulations designed to accelerate the processing of asylum applications. A total of 408 lawmakers voted in favour of creating a unified European list of “safe countries of origin,” while 184 opposed and 60 abstained.

Parliament also approved, by 396 votes to 226 with 30 abstentions, new provisions related to the “safe third country” concept. Under this framework, EU member states may reject asylum applications as inadmissible if applicants can receive effective protection in a third country classified as safe.

The newly adopted rules introduce a common EU-wide list of countries deemed safe for return. The list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Kosovo, India, Morocco and Tunisia. The move is intended to fast-track asylum applications from nationals of these countries.

Under the amendments, asylum seekers from countries designated as safe will bear the burden of proof to demonstrate that their personal circumstances warrant protection, particularly in cases involving a credible fear of persecution or serious harm upon return.

Lawmakers confirmed that certain provisions may be implemented ahead of the broader European asylum reform package, which is set to fully enter into force in June 2026. These include the possibility of designating third countries as safe at both EU and national levels, with exceptions applying to specific regions or categories of individuals.

The reforms also pave the way for fast-track border procedures for asylum applicants whose claims have an EU-wide recognition rate of less than 20 percent. Brussels says the measure is aimed at shortening case-processing times and reducing backlogs.

The adoption of the legislation comes as the European Union records a nearly 25 percent decline in irregular entries over the past year compared to the previous year. Officials say the new legal framework is part of broader efforts to strengthen migration management while balancing humanitarian obligations and border control.