The Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations hosted a high-level lunchtime discussion focused on the future of European asylum and migration policy, with particular focus on the evolving role of the “safe third country” concept.

As the European Union’s migration policy enters a pivotal phase with the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, two core priorities have emerged: returns and the external dimension of migration management.

Within the broader scope of the external dimension, one issue stands out in the short term: the reassessment of the “safe third country” concept coordinated by the European Commission under Article 77 of the Asylum Procedures Regulation (APR).

In May 2024, fifteen EU Member States addressed a letter to the Commission proposing among other innovative solutions, a reassessment of the concept of ‘safe third country’, including the connection criterion. The Commission was also encouraged to present a proposal to designate countries as third safe countries at EU level.

In this context, the discussion reflected on a number of pressing questions:

• What changes to the “safe third country” concept may be under consideration?
• What are the implications of these scenarios for people seeking protection and for the Common European Asylum System?

To discuss these developments, the Egmont Institute welcomed Mr. Alexandre Faudon, JHA Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU, as keynote speaker.

The keynote was followed by an exchange among participants, moderated by Jean-Louis De Brouwer, Director of the European Affairs Programme at the Egmont Institute. The conversation reflected a range of national and European perspectives and offered a timely and thought-provoking platform for stakeholders to engage on one of the most pressing issues in European migration policy today.

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