European Parliament approves Rwanda-style asylum model
The European Parliament has voted to tighten asylum laws, allowing member states to send asylum seekers to designated "safe" third countries for processing.
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WISE NEWS PRESS / BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — DECEMBER 18, 2025
The European Parliament passed a controversial legislative package on Wednesday, tightening European Union asylum laws and authorizing the transfer of applicants to "safe" third countries for processing.
Supported primarily by right-wing and far-right factions, the new regulations pave the way for an EU-wide adoption of the "Rwanda Model." Originally pioneered by the UK, this approach dictates that individuals arriving illegally to seek asylum will be sent to external partner nations. If their status is granted, they will remain in that third country rather than being relocated to an EU member state.
Unified list of safe nations
A key component of the reform includes the creation of a centralized EU list of safe third countries, which is expected to include nations such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. While this aims to streamline deportations, critics warn that citizens from these "safe" countries who seek protection in Europe will face significantly restricted rights and limited access to the labor market, potentially undermining integration efforts.
Legal and humanitarian concerns
The decision has sparked immediate backlash from human rights organizations and migrant advocacy groups. The Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) warned that the infrastructure in designated third countries is often inadequate to protect fundamental rights. Legal experts also pointed out potential violations of the Geneva Convention on Refugees, arguing that the "safe country" designation could be used to bypass legal safeguards and tarnish the EU's commitment to humanitarian standards.
