EU's 'safe third country' policy reveals troubling human rights implications in Greece

On July 11, 2026, Dr. Gaia Romeo from the Free University of Brussels unveiled critical findings regarding the EU's 'safe third country' policy, particularly its impact in Greece. Her research highlights how this policy has been misused to deny asylum applications and return seekers under the controversial EU-Turkey Statement from 2016.

Understanding the Safe Third Country Policy

The 'safe third country' policy is designed to limit asylum seekers' access to international protection by asserting that they can seek refuge in a non-EU country deemed safe. This approach, however, has faced significant criticism for potentially leading to human rights violations. The policy assumes that asylum seekers possess connections to a safe country, allowing their applications to be redirected.

Romeo's fieldwork in Athens, the eastern Aegean islands, and Brussels reveals that the definition of a 'safe third country' has been inconsistently applied. This inconsistency has resulted in varying treatment of asylum seekers based on shifting political priorities and power dynamics within the EU.

Impact of the EU-Turkey Statement

The implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement has been particularly evident since June 2026, when the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact took effect. This pact, alongside the new Return Regulation, represents a significant reform of asylum legislation aimed at externalizing asylum processes. Critics argue that such policies have exacerbated human rights abuses and fostered social insecurity.

Romeo noted, "Through my research, I demonstrate how easily human rights criteria and procedural safeguards under the 'safe third country' policy can be circumvented with the aim of deterring, rejecting, and returning asylum seekers." This statement underscores the malleability of the policy and the potential for abuse.

Consequences of Policy Misapplication

The consequences of the 'safe third country' policy have been profound. It has led to a rise in irregular migration, increased human rights violations, and significant human, financial, and organizational costs. Asylum seekers with diverse backgrounds and protection needs have faced arbitrary acceptance or rejection based on the fluctuating definition of safety.

• High human costs due to increased irregular migration.
• Financial burdens on countries managing asylum applications.
• Organizational challenges in implementing consistent policies.

Romeo's research, published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, highlights the urgent need for a reevaluation of the 'safe third country' policy to ensure it aligns with human rights standards and provides genuine protection for asylum seekers.