Europe strengthens its travel policy: the EU may reintroduce visas for countries that do not curb illegal immigration or sell “golden passports”
The European Parliament definitively approved the modernization of the mechanism within the Schengen area. Currently, citizens of 61 countries can travel to Europe without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. With the new regulation, the European Commission will have greater flexibility to suspend this benefit in case of abuses, security threats, or serious breaches.
Suspension of Visa Cases
The text establishes that the suspension can be applied temporarily while the case is being investigated or permanently if the problems persist. This step aims to provide the EU with a more agile tool to respond to situations that Brussels considers endangering the stability and trust in the free movement system.
New Causes for Visa Suspension
The reformed mechanism maintains existing reasons, such as significant increases in rejected asylum applications or an increase in individuals overstaying the permitted time. However, new criteria have been added, including hybrid threats, citizenship by investment programs raising security concerns, violations of international law, lack of alignment with EU visa policy, and non-compliance with international court rulings.
Quantitative Thresholds and Political Flexibility
One of the most innovative aspects of the reform is the definition of clear numerical parameters. A 30% increase in cases of irregular stays or serious crimes will be considered “substantial,” and an asylum recognition rate below 20% can trigger the mechanism. Nevertheless, the European Commission will have the authority to deviate from these thresholds when exceptional circumstances justify it.
A Tool for Pressure in Foreign Policy
Members of the European Parliament emphasized that this is much more than an administrative procedure—it is one of the most powerful tools of European foreign policy, impacting tourism, business, and diplomacy. Matjaz Nemed, the rapporteur of the text, highlighted that with this modernized mechanism, the Union can react to severe human rights violations and, at the same time, apply selective pressure measures against government officials. Ultimately, the EU aims to strengthen its ability to condition access to the Schengen area based on respect for international law and commitments in migration matters.
