Council gives final greenlight to measures to make the EU’s asylum system more efficient and robust

On 23 February 2026, the Council formally adopted the first EU-wide list of safe countries of origin as well as a revision of the safe third country concept. These two legislations aim to further harmonise and make more efficient the EU’s migration and asylum framework.

The EU-wide list of safe countries of origin will help member states deal more efficiently with applications for international protection lodged by nationals of those countries.

The revised safe third country concept will give member states more flexibility for rejecting asylum applications as inadmissible.

Find more information on the official website of the Council of the EU.