Belgium has endorsed the European Commission’s proposal to strengthen the concept of safe third countries in asylum policy, as part of enhancing the European Asylum and Migration Pact adopted last year.
The European Commission’s proposal expands the principle of a "safe third country," allowing migrants to be returned in more situations, such as when they have travelled through that country or when agreements exist with such countries regarding protection and return. As a result, asylum seekers would not necessarily need a connection to the third country for this principle to apply, a change from current requirements.
These reforms aim to make the asylum process faster and more efficient, promoting the return of migrants. “With this measure, we aim to discourage large migration flows to Europe, including Belgium, by enabling countries like Italy and Greece to more easily return people to a safe third country outside Europe that they have previously passed through,” explains Minister of Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt.
An exception is planned for unaccompanied minors, provided there are no ties with the third country.
“This marks another step towards closer international cooperation in asylum and migration. We send a clear message: asylum should primarily be about protection, not about seeking the country with the most benefits,” concludes Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.
