European Union Officially Adds Tunisia to its New List of "Safe Countries of Origin"
The European Union has officially included Tunisia in its new common list of "safe countries of origin", adopted on December 8, 2025, by the Council of the Union. This decision, which marks a major evolution in European migration policy, implies that asylum applications submitted by Tunisian nationals will now be processed according to accelerated procedures.
Definition of a "Safe Country"
According to EU rules, a country is considered "safe" when it is deemed to guarantee a sufficient level of respect for fundamental rights, the rule of law, and protection against persecution. This classification does not prevent Tunisians from applying for asylum in Europe, but it reduces the likelihood of their applications being accepted, as they are presumed to be unfounded unless specific elements demonstrate a personal risk.
Tunisia's Inclusion on the List
Tunisia is included on this list alongside other countries such as Egypt and Morocco, selected based on a harmonized European assessment applied for the first time at the level of the Twenty-Seven. Member States will now have to align their procedures with this common list, as part of efforts to accelerate the processing of migration files and strengthen European coordination.
Context and Implications
This decision comes in the context of a global review of the Migration and Asylum Pact, which aims to reduce disparities between national systems and promote rapid returns of persons whose asylum applications are rejected. Human rights organizations have already expressed reservations, emphasizing that the sociopolitical situation in Tunisia requires a nuanced assessment.
Key Points
- The European Union has added Tunisia to its list of "safe countries of origin"
- Asylum applications from Tunisian nationals will be processed according to accelerated procedures
- The classification as a "safe country" reduces the likelihood of asylum applications being accepted
- The decision is part of a broader effort to reform European migration policy and strengthen coordination between Member States.
