Votes · 10 February 2026
Application of the ‘safe third country’ concept
This vote is about the “safe third country” concept, which allows asylum seekers to be sent to a non-EU country.
Background
The “safe third country” concept allows an asylum application to be declared inadmissible if the person could have obtained protection in another non-EU country deemed safe. Until now there had to be a real link between the applicant and that country. The reform relaxes this condition. Supporters want to ease pressure on asylum systems; opponents fear a weakening of the right to asylum.
- Removes the requirement of a link between the applicant and the safe third country: mere transit through it, or an agreement with it, can be enough.
- An application declared inadmissible is not examined on its merits in the EU.
- Unaccompanied minors get specific safeguards.
Adopted: 396 for, 226 against, 30 abstentions, 66 did not vote.
Reference: A10-0255/2025