- 2025-06-04 “E-002241/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The proposal to revise the safe third country concept 1 aims to equip Member States with effective tools to manage asylum procedures responsibly and in line with EU legal obligations. It fully complies with international law and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The absence of a connection, which is not required under international law, does not compromise legal or procedural safeguards for applicants. Each inadmissibility decision still requires an individual assessment of whether the third country is ‘safe’ for the person concerned. The safety criteria under the Asylum Procedure Regulation 2 remain unchanged and include the possibility to request and, where conditions are met, receive effective protection in line with EU and international fundamental rights standards. The non-automatic character of the suspensive effect of appeals complies with the right to an effective remedy. Applicants retain the right to appeal inadmissibility decisions and to request the right to remain in the territory of Member States pending the outcome. When granted, such suspensive effect also applies to the return decision. Courts may also rule on this ex officio. Appeals against return decisions continue to carry an automatic suspensive effect where there is a risk of breaching the principle of non-refoulement. The proposal retains the optional nature of applying the safe third country concept for Member States and sets clear designation criteria. Any arrangement or agreement with a third country requires examination of the merits of claims. Member States must inform the Commission before concluding such agreements. Furthermore, the Commission will monitor implementation, supported by the EU Agency for Asylum under its reinforced mandate 3 . 1 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the application of the ‘safe third country’ concept, COM(2025) 259 final. 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 establishing a common procedure for international protection in the Union and repealing Directive 2013/32/EU, OJ L, 2024/1348, 22.5.2024. 3 Articles 14 and 15 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2303 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2021 on the European Union Agency for Asylum and repealing Regulation (EU) No 439/2010.”
Asylum & border control
- “Thank you very much, chair. I'll be speaking in Italian. Thank you. To the three speakers. They have? Yes. Can you hear? Everyone has a headset on. Good. So as I was saying, thank you to the three speakers for the information and the comments they have shared with us. I think that they have essentially been in consensus, and I would agree now, this idea that, uh, uh, women are a foundation of peace, that they are the protagonists. I mean, very often they are victims of war when you don't have peace. Um, and we have a need for women leaders now, uh, there have been a number of indications that we've heard a number of recommendations. And I'd like to ask on this basis, I mean, given the current crisis, the lack of resources in the United Nations and its agencies that support peace and development. I mean, they're really losing financing. And I would like to know how much of an influence this has had on the specific projects that are under way to ensure peace and development and the women's movement in general. Now, in another respect, an accessory question, uh, do cultural differences also have an impact on the flows of funding for specific programs that support the and strengthen the role of women insofar as the European Union is concerned? Uh, the approach is a rather nebulous, and I think that we need to have more specificity in this regard. So really I would like to hear some some hard information, some hard data, if that can be made available. Thank you.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion
- “Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Commissioner Labib, for your words today and for what you're trying, what you're doing in trying to get the horizontal directive against discrimination. Going again? Unfortunately, protection is incomplete. We've heard that several times today. Uh, people are being discriminated against because of their lifestyles, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and so on. And this in an aging continent. And it's not just about marginalized persons. About three quarters of the European population actually are covered by one of the areas I've just listed, and one person in five is is discriminated against more than once during their lifetime. And. Member States keep invoking exclusive competence and economic reasons for not making progress on the directive. And of course, there's the propaganda from the right. And you know, let's break the deadlock now.”
EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
- “Well, I'd like to thank the representatives of the network chairman, and I was very impressed with what they had to say. Some of these things I've seen on the ground several times, i.e. the importance of relations with those who work in the field, who know the situation and who can give information to institutions on crisis situations. I think, uh. Well, I'd like to thank the chairman for having talked about the discredit that's been placed on NGOs. And I don't think that's only the result of errors that have been, uh, carried out by some people. It's actually a politically structured campaign, I think, and it's something that I've had to deal with when I was a director of a newspaper in my previous life. But I think it's important to share what my colleagues said from the EPP group. I mean, what we need to do is to hear from you on some priorities, I mean on the urgency resolutions. I'm not an expert on parliamentary protocol. It's my first mandate. But I'm sure we can improve things to a certain extent. And I'm sure there's a way to, uh. Better make certain decisions so that we can find the time, perhaps to consult. But I would also ask you something else, not only to give us a priority, but how we can best defend democracy. I mean, that's something that's useful, but it's not enough, because what I note is that wherever there's a war, regardless what it's fought in the name of, I mean, democracy, freedom of circulation, I mean, it's human beings that suffer at the end of the day. So that's a point I wanted to raise. Thank you.”
EU engagement with civil society
- “Thank you, chairman, and thank you to the speakers. And to thank to yourself to for the introduction. You've made clear to us something it's sometimes difficult to to conceptualize, which is that wars continue to shape the course of human events both in the Middle East and Europe. And what we thought we had consigned to history is still a fact, and that disability is a major issue within that context. And wars are produced disability. They are machines, Your factories for producing disability. And we can only imagine what life is like for a disabled person in such areas, given how difficult it is here in Europe. And there's a lot depends on individuals ability to play a role, to be a role model to to to stand up and and do that. So I admire the the effort that people have put into that work. Um, but I think that it's important that it be included in diplomacy as well, that there be the conditions created so that the standards we set ourselves are in some ways globalized. That, I think, is one of the major challenges of our time. I think Pietro Bavari put it very well. Diplomacy is a vital instrument in doing this in some ways, uh, associations in the third sector can supplement the work of the institutions in this context. Europe has its role to play. I can only hope that Europe will be able to. To do as Pietro Barbieri suggests, and provide the necessary resources to do that, to do that, and not simply rely on it being a voluntary matter. Voluntary volunteering is all very well, but it doesn't offer you a dedicated force. Thank you.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion
- “Thank you, Good to speak in Italian. Thank you. Well, I would agree with many of the points that have been made, and I would like to thank the rapporteur for what they have done, and I'd like to thank the chair for the introduction and the comments on the mission that took place recently, and I took part in that as well as part of my responsibilities in the delegation. Well, there are still polarisation and that is something that's very concerning. It's a country where there is a leadership that is. Looking at supporting the succession process, then you need to think about the public opinion as well. We need to remember as well that it's the only one in the Western Balkans where they are in favour of Europe. And this is something that we do need to look at carefully. Then there are a few key points I want to mention, and I'll start with the last point that was raised the minorities. That's one of the most positive things here that we're seeing in Albania's accession process. And it really is an example when you look at the progress that has been made to deal with the different types of persecution, and then it's also important to look at what's happening when it comes to electoral reform. Given the declining political climate, there is cooperation with the opposition. And.”
EU-Albania relations
- “Thank you chair. Well, dear Commissioner Labib, every day we hear something that you mentioned today that resources are being cut and that this future communication is going to be very important coming from the European Union on these issues. I think we've got to be crystal clear here for whatever innovation we have in terms of finance. And that can't be used as an alibi for inaction on the humanitarian front by the European Union. We've got to always look at the needs that are here. We'll never meet them entirely. But how do you think that the union, and particularly you in your role, how do you think that we can deal with the increasing use of of private funds that don't really guarantee that this will move forward? Perhaps a roadmap is necessary, something that would make certain that we do move towards humanitarian goals and peace. But again, we see the fact that we've got to build a sustainability and into this system. Now, you've mentioned one of the first points here in your comments today when it comes to violence against women women being used as a weapon in war. The bodies of women as the battlefield of wars. So we wonder, is the Commission ready to move forward with moves to combat those who would violate human rights in this area? I think it's good that the EU has become aware of the responsibilities here. And then moving forward with in the international courts to be involved in this efforts. And then there's also another crisis which has been a not mentioned the fact that 15% of the budget is set aside for humanitarian aid. That should be, again, dealing with this often forgotten crisis. So again, we see sometimes funding being shifted over to other priorities. But I do take note of the fact we have to have this minimum threshold. It's got to be something which does is kept aside for our efforts in this area to help women. This is something that would undermine our credibility if we were to do otherwise.”
EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
- “Thank you, Good to speak in Italian. Thank you. Well, I would agree with many of the points that have been made, and I would like to thank the rapporteur for what they have done, and I'd like to thank the chair for the introduction and the comments on the mission that took place recently, and I took part in that as well as part of my responsibilities in the delegation. Well, there are still polarisation and that is something that's very concerning. It's a country where there is a leadership that is. Looking at supporting the succession process, then you need to think about the public opinion as well. We need to remember as well that it's the only one in the Western Balkans where they are in favour of Europe. And this is something that we do need to look at carefully. Then there are a few key points I want to mention, and I'll start with the last point that was raised the minorities. That's one of the most positive things here that we're seeing in Albania's accession process. And it really is an example when you look at the progress that has been made to deal with the different types of persecution, and then it's also important to look at what's happening when it comes to electoral reform. Given the declining political climate, there is cooperation with the opposition. And.”
EU enlargement
- “Thanks, chair. I'll keep it brief. Look at where we started this debate. The US being a reflection of our future. That's a very worrying. We need to let this sink in. I don't think as things stand, Frontex is equivalent to Ice, but we're certainly barking up the wrong tree here. We're heading in the wrong direction. If we take our cue from ice. Then people will go to so-called safe third countries such as Nicaragua. And what's what would be the consequence of that? That's very unfortunate. Uh, we think we're in a safe place now, but soon we will be admired in misery and suffering. That's where we might be heading.”
Asylum & border control
- “Thank you. Chairman. I'll speak Italian. Well, let me just very briefly thank our speakers, particularly Judge Hala. But what I want to say is the following. One of the risks that we run is one of double standards. And let me explain what I mean. I mean, here we're seeing immunities that aren't working, and we have actions that are also being used as a warning because, as we've heard, it could affect others quite as quite soon. I mean, now it's the judge. It could be others. But I want to briefly mention a couple of people who work for international institutions or important national institutions who have been killed. Uh, so here we're talking about Ambassador Luca Atanasio and the Italian ambassador killed in the Congo. And we have an international organization that is blocking procedures. And then Mario Facciola, who was killed in Colombia, he was working for the UN. And again, his, uh, the justice is being is not being done because the case is blocked because of immunities. And the problem is that immunity is a problem when it comes to the justice system. We can't try and, uh, act in these cases. And this is a really serious situation.”
Jurisdiction conflicts between EU and national courts
- “They are improving what they're doing. Even given the difficulties. And then we need to think about the territorial autonomy as well, because there's this simplification of the way in which that's governed. That's a key point. And then there's another important point. And that's the justice system. And this. Is a country where almost seven, almost 60% of the people who are in prison have yet to be taken to trial. And this really does need to see huge changes. It looks like there are the magistrates and they need to address the history of corruption. But there is another major point here. And this concerns the use of provisional detention and custody that's being used for people who have committed serious crimes. And then you also have people who have held important positions, positions of mayor, for example. So there are a lot of things there. And there are many points that are very sensitive. We need to look at, um, supporting a process. Then we also need to think about Prime Minister Rama and restarting the accession process. And then you need to look at completing the process. And then there were also the meetings that we had. And. I think that this is something that would benefit us all. Thank you. And I'd like to thank the rapporteur as well for the work that they've done.”
EU-Albania relations
- “Thank you very much indeed. Chairman, I shall speak in Italian. I too should like to thank Miss Andrikiene. As representative of the European Court of Auditors for this very valuable report. Now, obviously, on behalf of S and DV, it is my responsibility to ask for further clarifications on conditionality, particularly when it comes to the management of migration. That ought to be one of the guiding principles of everything that the European Union does, particularly when it comes to Respecting article 208 on the functioning of the European Union and making sure that we have sufficient support. The Global Europe instrument can help us to tackle the root causes of irregular migration and look at promoting sustainable development, inclusive growth, as well as creating economic opportunities and creating jobs in partner countries. And we need to look at the negative forms of conditionality, which are linked to irregular migration, because they run the risk of calling into question the effectiveness of our development policy. On top of that, they can also weaken partnerships that have been built over many years. And that is why we have to look at working together in managing migration and make sure that we respect international law as well as human rights in the pursuance of our objectives when it comes to migration. And that's why I want to ask you, what exactly do you mean by positive incentives? What exactly are we to infer by positive incentives? So more specifically, what does that mean in terms of our migration policies. Because if we have incentives and of course they have to be properly aligned with our development criteria, should not be used to fund measures to control migration such as repatriation. And we also need to look at the guarantees that are afforded under the present framework. And also look at the overall architecture of the global Europe proposal, and make sure that it gives us sufficient guarantees for human rights and make sure we preserve the integrity of the European Union's development policy overall. And I would ask you whether you think that further measures will have to be developed down the line. Thank you.”
EU development aid (migration conditionality)
- “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm going to speak Italian. I'd like to thank the rapporteurs, like Berta Pereira. I'd like to focus on an additional point that our EPP colleague raised. If we want the next anti-racism strategy to be efficient, we've got to be able to align political objectives and the achievement of which proper resources. Uh, apparently we have to be patient because we're waiting for the next MFF. But I'd like to put forward a different view. We know that civil society, the organisations representing the groups, carry out not just additional work, but actually, uh, replaces what the the institution should be doing now in the next MFF. Will the funding be sustainable in, uh, on the long term to help these civil society organizations fight racism? And I must say that. Is there a way that we guarantee that the funds are not just to support projects that actually promote xenophobia and racism, because there's kind of a. Political campaign to, uh, turn hate speech into some idea of free speech and could good even. Uh, and sometimes, uh. And and rather than fighting for, uh. Fighting discrimination. So, uh, if we can use civil society. Uh. But often the the organizations that are fighting against discrimination have been accused of discrimination.”
EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
- “They are improving what they're doing. Even given the difficulties. And then we need to think about the territorial autonomy as well, because there's this simplification of the way in which that's governed. That's a key point. And then there's another important point. And that's the justice system. And this. Is a country where almost seven, almost 60% of the people who are in prison have yet to be taken to trial. And this really does need to see huge changes. It looks like there are the magistrates and they need to address the history of corruption. But there is another major point here. And this concerns the use of provisional detention and custody that's being used for people who have committed serious crimes. And then you also have people who have held important positions, positions of mayor, for example. So there are a lot of things there. And there are many points that are very sensitive. We need to look at, um, supporting a process. Then we also need to think about Prime Minister Rama and restarting the accession process. And then you need to look at completing the process. And then there were also the meetings that we had. And. I think that this is something that would benefit us all. Thank you. And I'd like to thank the rapporteur as well for the work that they've done.”
EU enlargement
- “Sir. Well good afternoon. I do apologize for my late arrival. My flight was seriously delayed. I heard part of the comments that you made, and I've worked for years as a journalist, and I've looked at links between our part of the world and the global South. And one point comes to mind. The question of Israel-Palestine has already been mentioned, but I'd like to mention Eritrea in the Horn of Africa. Its relations with the EU. Could you tell me what the status is between relations for relations between the EU and Eritrea, and what is likely to happen with that Country any changes that may happen because we've seen transits of. Smuggling of goods. Et cetera. Et cetera. Through the area we've seen child soldiers. We have seen people taken from their schools. So I'd be very much appreciative if I could have an update.”
EU policy on African region
- “Grazie. Thank you very much to this afternoon's guests. I think that everybody has helped to to show the links between the major subjects from what's been said to do with the environment, human rights, the rights of people who live very close to nature. These issues are linked, as are the issues to do with social organization, combating crime, and how the political institutions work. Nicaragua and Venezuela. Well, there you could also add El Salvador. These are emblematic cases. What I wanted to ask. I think touches on, uh, what we are held to do with organized crime. And this is the experience of, uh, other Latin American countries and what's happening now in France, Spain, Italy and so on. And, uh. It's to do with, uh, the organization of the way that prisons are run and setting up some kind of cooperation, uh, network, uh, between, uh, the police, for example. Uh, I'm from Italy. I Italy. I know the Ndrangheta is one of the biggest criminal organizations which are which accounts for a third of drug trafficking in the European Union at the moment. And there are a lot of joint ventures with other organised criminal groups, for example, in Asia. Uh. And then. Uh, the problem is that this crime then leads to greater repression, and that leads to an undermining of human rights. Now, when looking at the instruments that we have, which I. Have looked at, I'm not entirely sure about them, but I'd like to know what your experiences are of these kinds of measures directly.”
EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters