Amnesty International has sharply criticized the European Union over its newly adopted rules on asylum and the expanded list of so-called “safe countries,” warning that the changes risk undermining fundamental protections for refugees and asylum seekers.
The criticism comes as the EU moves forward with reforms aimed at tightening migration controls and speeding up asylum procedures, amid growing political pressure from member states facing rising irregular migration and domestic opposition.
Concerns Over the “Safe Countries” List
At the center of Amnesty’s criticism is the EU’s updated “safe countries of origin” list, which allows authorities to fast-track or reject asylum claims from applicants deemed unlikely to need protection.
According to Amnesty International, labeling countries as “safe” often ignores the complex realities on the ground, including:
- Political repression and arbitrary arrests
- Discrimination against minorities
- Risks faced by journalists, activists, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals
The organization warns that asylum seekers from these countries may be denied a fair and individualized assessment, increasing the risk of people being returned to places where they could face persecution or serious harm.
Faster Procedures, Fewer Safeguards
Amnesty also expressed concern that the new rules prioritize speed over protection, reducing appeal deadlines and expanding the use of border and detention-based asylum procedures. While EU officials argue that the measures will reduce system abuse and backlogs, human rights groups fear they will lead to wrongful rejections and collective expulsions.
“These reforms weaken the right to seek asylum and shift the EU further away from its international obligations,” Amnesty said, pointing to the 1951 Refugee Convention and European human rights law.
EU Response and Political Context
EU officials defend the reforms as necessary to restore order to the asylum system and ensure that protection is focused on those most in need. Supporters argue that clearer rules and faster decisions will discourage dangerous journeys and reduce pressure on frontline states.
However, critics say the reforms reflect a broader trend in Europe toward deterrence-based migration policies, driven more by domestic political concerns than by humanitarian principles.
Calls for Revision
Amnesty International is urging the EU and its member states to:
- Ensure individual and fair asylum assessments
- Suspend the use of “safe country” labels where serious human rights risks exist
- Strengthen legal safeguards, especially for vulnerable groups
As the new rules begin to take effect, the debate highlights a growing divide within Europe between migration control objectives and long-standing commitments to refugee protection and human rights.
