(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAY 20 - The EU Commission today proposes rules that will facilitate the application of the concept of safe third country by member states, "speeding up procedures" for asylum and "reducing pressure" on the reception systems of the 27 ("while preserving legal guarantees and ensuring respect for fundamental rights"). Among the new features, it is clear: "The connection between the asylum seeker and the safe third country will no longer be mandatory", but defined by national law, and "transit through a safe third country before reaching the EU may "be considered a sufficient criterion for applying the concept". (ANSA).