The EU tightens its “visa liberalization” policy

The European Union (EU) is preparing for measures that will provide flexibility to member states regarding the suspension of visa liberalization agreements.

In the EU Commission statement, “The evolving geopolitical context has brought new challenges related to visa-free travel. “It is therefore crucial that the EU is equipped to address cases of abuse of visa-free travel.”

The statement cited as examples of these situations “increasing irregular migration due to non-compliance with EU visa policy, hybrid threats such as citizenship programs for investors in visa-free countries or state-sponsored instrumentalization of migrants.” “.

CONCERN ABOUT IRREGULAR MIGRATION

Under the new rules, member states will be able to present broader and more flexible justifications for suspending visa liberalization practices.

The EU is concerned about irregular immigration from some of the 60 countries where a visa liberalization regime applies.

The member of the European Commission responsible for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, stated in her speech that last year approximately 150,000 people applied for asylum from third countries where visa-free travel to the EU is possible and stated: “Visa exemption travel does not “They should be used like that.” (AA)