Denmark views the EU Commission’s recent proposal as a significant step towards realizing its long-held ambition of processing asylum claims outside of Europe. Minister for Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek expressed strong support for the proposal, emphasizing its potential impact.

The proposal aims to expand the definition of “safe third country,” allowing asylum seekers to be turned away if they passed through such a country on their way to Europe, provided that country is deemed safe. This contrasts with the current regulations, which typically require a “real connection” to the safe third country, such as having lived, worked, or having family there.

The EU Commission’s proposal must be approved by the EU Parliament and the member states before it can take effect. If adopted, the new rules would enable the rejection of asylum applications and the transfer of applicants to a broader range of countries outside Europe than currently permitted.