Kosovo has been included in the European Union’s list of seven countries designated as “safe,” in an effort to accelerate the return of migrants and make it more difficult for citizens of these countries to seek asylum in the bloc.
The European Commission announced that it is proposing to classify Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia as “safe countries of origin.”
“Many member states are facing a high number of pending asylum applications, so anything we can do now to support faster decision-making on asylum is essential,” said EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner, while presenting the list.
It is now up to the European Parliament and the Council to approve the proposal.
Asylum seekers from these seven countries could face a higher likelihood of having their applications rejected and potentially receiving a return order, under the EU’s new rules.
The number of asylum seekers from Kosovo in the EU has increased since the visa liberalization came into effect on January 1, 2024.
Previously, the highest number of asylum applications from Kosovo was recorded during 2015–2016, when tens of thousands of Kosovars emigrated to the EU through illegal routes via Hungary.
Argumentum.al
