In a non-binding opinion, the European Parliament has voted down the Asylum Procedure Directive's concept of a list of safe countries. Asylum seekers coming from such countries, be it of origin or in transit, would then be sent back automatically under a fast-track procedure.
When an application for asylum is rejected, MEPs also voted for the right of asylum-seekers to stay on the territory during the appeal.
Even if the Council is not likely to take the EP's stance on board, some MEPs cautioned that they could take EU member states to court if the legislation did not comply with the Geneva Convention on Refugees.
