The European Union has added Kosovo to its updated list of “safe countries of origin,” alongside Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia.

The move, announced by the European Commission, is part of a broader push to streamline asylum processes and curb the number of unfounded applications, according to AFP.

“Many member states are struggling with a high volume of pending asylum claims,” said Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Migration. “Speeding up decision-making wherever possible is now critical.”

Labeling a country as “safe” means the EU believes there is generally no risk of persecution for its citizens. As a result, asylum seekers from these countries may see their applications processed faster—and rejected more often—with a greater likelihood of return orders being issued.

The proposal now awaits approval by the European Parliament and the Council.

Since visa-free travel for Kosovo came into effect on January 1, 2024, the number of asylum applications from Kosovars has risen, sparking concerns in several EU capitals.

The last major spike in migration from Kosovo occurred in 2015–2016, when tens of thousands left the country and entered the EU via irregular routes, particularly through Hungary.

The new classification could mark a turning point in how migration from Kosovo and other listed nations is handled within the EU.