On May 20, 2025, the European Commission proposed significant reforms to the concept of safe third countries for migrants, aiming to streamline asylum processes across the EU.

The proposed changes include relaxing the rules for returning asylum seekers to third countries deemed 'safe' by member states, potentially expediting the return process.

A key aspect of the proposal is the removal of the mandatory 'link' requirement, allowing member states to define connections to safe third countries through their national laws.

The Commission argues that these reforms will not only speed up asylum procedures but also alleviate pressure on the reception systems of EU member states while maintaining legal safeguards and fundamental rights.

This initiative comes amid rising pressure on the EU to toughen its migration policies, reflecting the growing influence of right-wing sentiments across Europe.

Currently, asylum seekers can only be returned to countries where they have a sufficient 'link,' such as family ties or previous residence, which the new proposal seeks to change.

By suggesting the removal of the 'link' requirement, the proposal aims to facilitate quicker returns, although critics warn this could lead to increased attempts to re-enter Europe.

NGOs have expressed concerns that the changes could expose the EU to manipulation by third countries, which might demand political or financial concessions for accepting returned asylum seekers.

The revised concept could also lead to the establishment of asylum seeker centers in distant countries, reminiscent of previously halted projects by Denmark and the UK in Rwanda.

Despite the push for stricter migration controls, recent reports indicate that illegal crossings at EU borders have significantly decreased, reaching the lowest levels since 2021.

This proposal follows a decision made in March 2025 that allowed European states to create 'return platforms' for undocumented migrants outside of Europe.

Additionally, the proposal suggests that transit through a safe third country before arriving in the EU may now be sufficient for applying the safe third country concept.