EU Asylum Rules 2026: European Parliament Approves Stricter Migration & 90% Climate Target

The European Parliament has made two landmark decisions that will shape Europe's future, approving stricter asylum rules and establishing a binding 90% emissions reduction target for 2040. In a historic session on February 10, 2026, lawmakers voted on measures that will fundamentally change how the EU handles migration while accelerating climate action.

What Are the New EU Asylum Rules?

The European Parliament has approved two key pieces of legislation that create the EU's first-ever list of safe countries of origin and establish clearer rules for the 'safe third country' concept. These measures, part of the broader EU Migration and Asylum Pact set to take effect in June 2026, represent the most significant overhaul of European migration policy in decades.

The safe countries list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Kosovo, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. Asylum applications from nationals of these countries will be processed through accelerated procedures completed within three months instead of the standard six. 'These measures will allow us to quickly process unfounded asylum claims while protecting legitimate asylum rights,' said an EPP parliamentarian during the debate.

Key Changes to Asylum Procedures

• Accelerated Processing: Applications from listed countries processed within 3 months
• Safe Third Country Concept: Applications can be declared inadmissible if applicants transited through non-EU countries where they could have sought protection
• Family Connection Rule: Applications can be rejected if applicants have family connections to non-EU countries
• Detention During Processing: Migrants can be detained throughout accelerated procedures

Political Divide on Migration Policy

The votes revealed deep political divisions within the European Parliament. The measures passed with support from the center-right European People's Party (EPP) and radical-right parties, while social democrats and left-wing groups voted against them.

'This represents a moral regression that destroys the fundamental right to asylum,' declared a Social Democrat MEP during the heated debate. In contrast, the Patriots for Europe group stated, 'These changes will ensure asylum rights are no longer abused.'

The legislation still requires formal adoption by the Council of the European Union, where individual member states must give their approval. This process is expected to be contentious, particularly given the German migration policy stance that has emerged in recent months.

EU 2040 Climate Target: 90% Emissions Reduction

In a separate but equally significant vote, the European Parliament approved amendments to the EU Climate Law, establishing a binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040. The measure passed with 413 votes in favor, 226 against, and 12 abstentions.

Key Climate Law Provisions

The climate legislation includes important flexibilities, allowing member states to use international carbon credits for up to 5% of emissions reductions from 2036 onward. However, these credits can only be purchased from countries with climate policies aligned with the Paris Agreement and cannot finance nations posing strategic threats to the EU.

Impact and Implementation Timeline

Both sets of legislation will have profound implications for EU member states. The asylum rules are part of the broader Migration and Asylum Pact scheduled for full implementation in June 2026. The climate target represents an intermediate milestone between the existing 2030 goal of 55% reduction and the ultimate 2050 climate neutrality objective.

European Commission officials will monitor implementation of both policies closely. For the asylum rules, the Commission will track conditions in listed safe countries and can suspend designations if circumstances change. For the climate target, regular assessments will consider scientific data, technological developments, and industrial competitiveness.

The EU has already achieved a 37% emissions reduction as of 2023 and appears on track to meet its 2030 target. However, the European Green Deal implementation faces challenges as member states balance climate ambitions with economic considerations.

FAQ: European Parliament Decisions February 2026

What countries are on the EU safe countries list?

The EU's first safe countries list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Kosovo, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. EU candidate countries are also presumed safe unless specific circumstances indicate otherwise.

How will the 90% climate target be achieved?

The target requires comprehensive emissions reductions across energy, transportation, and industry sectors. Member states can use international carbon credits for up to 5% of reductions from 2036, effectively requiring 85% domestic cuts.

When do the new asylum rules take effect?

The rules are part of the Migration and Asylum Pact scheduled for implementation in June 2026, pending formal adoption by the Council of the European Union.

What happens if asylum seekers transit through safe third countries?

Applications can be declared inadmissible if applicants passed through non-EU countries where they could have sought protection, even without proving a direct connection to those countries.

How does the 2040 target relate to existing climate goals?

The 90% reduction target for 2040 serves as an intermediate milestone between the 2030 target of 55% reduction and the 2050 goal of climate neutrality.

Sources

European Parliament Press Release on Asylum Rules

European Parliament Press Release on Climate Target

Wikipedia: New Pact on Migration and Asylum

ESG Today: EU 2040 Climate Target