Commission proposes to frontload elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum as well as a first EU list of safe countries of origin

European Commission - Press release Commission proposes to frontload elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum as well as a first EU list of safe countries of origin Brussels, 16 April 2025 Today, the Commission is proposing to accelerate the implementation of certain aspects of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted last year and due to enter into application in June 2026. The Commission is proposing to frontload two key elements of the Asylum Procedure Regulation with the aim of supporting Member States to process asylum claims faster and more efficiently for applicants whose claims are likely to be unfounded. In addition, and to support the same objective, the Commission is proposing to make use of one of the novelties of the Pact and establish an EU list of safe countries of origin, the nationals from which will see their applications processed in an accelerated or border procedure. Frontloading key elements of the Pact: The Commission proposes to apply two important rules under the Pact already before the Pact enters into force in June next year. This covers: 20% recognition rate threshold: Member States can apply the border procedure or an accelerated procedure to people coming from countries where, on average, 20% or fewer applicants are granted international protection in the EU. Safe third countries and safe countries of origin can be designated with exceptions, giving Member States greater flexibility by excluding specific regions or clearly...