The European Union has formally placed Tunisia on its list of so-called “safe countries of origin,” a controversial move that will lead to the rapid rejection of most asylum applications from Tunisian nationals. The decision, ratified by the EU Council on Monday, marks a significant hardening of Europe’s migration policy.
Under the new classification, Tunisians can still apply for asylum, but their claims will now undergo an “accelerated procedure” and are presumed to be unfounded. To succeed, applicants must provide compelling personal evidence of a genuine risk of persecution, a high bar that critics warn will result in mass deportations.
The “safe country” label is applied to nations the EU judges to generally respect fundamental rights, uphold the rule of law, and avoid inhuman treatment. Tunisia now joins Egypt and Morocco on this updated, harmonized list—the first created jointly by all 27 member states in an effort to standardize their asylum practices.
The move is a cornerstone of the bloc’s sweeping overhaul of its Migration and Asylum Pact. EU officials argue the unified list will streamline chaotic asylum systems, ensure consistent decisions across borders, and expedite the return of those deemed ineligible for protection.
“Today’s agreement is a crucial step in managing migration more effectively,” stated a European Commission spokesperson. “It ensures faster procedures and reduces the pressure on national asylum systems.”
However, the decision has ignited fierce condemnation from human rights watchdogs. Organizations including Amnesty International and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) have repeatedly warned that Tunisia’s political crackdowns, targeting of migrants, and fragile judiciary render the “safe country” designation dangerously misleading.
“The EU is turning a blind eye to the deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia,” said a statement from a coalition of NGOs. “This political designation will lead to refugees being forced back into harm’s way, as their individual circumstances will be ignored in favour of a blanket assessment.”
The reform obliges all member states to align their asylum processing with the EU list. While Brussels frames it as a step toward efficiency and deterrence, the ruling sets the stage for increased tensions with humanitarian groups who fear Europe is prioritizing border control over protection obligations.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
