EU adopts first ever visa policy framework

The European Commission of the European Union (EU) has adopted the bloc’s first ever visa policy framework.

The EU Visa Strategy is intended to direct visa policy for member states in a way that is more “strategic, and that advances the EU’s long-term interests”.

The Commission stated that the core aims were to make Europe:

1. Safer, by “strengthening the first line of security screening”
2. More prosperous and competitive, by facilitating access “for those who contribute to our economies and societies”
3. More influential globally, by “advancing the EU’s strategic interests, values, and global standing”
4. More efficient, through a “smarter, modern, and coherent visa strategy”.

The Visa Strategy includes a new assessment framework with clear criteria for evaluating potential candidates, upgrades to the existing Article 25a mechanism, which allows for targeted visa measures in response to a lack of cooperation, and new measures to strengthen travel document security to combat fraud.

Alongside the Strategy, the Commission is adopting a Recommendation on attracting talent to the EU, recommending that member states simplify procedures for long-stay visas and residence permits through digitisation, shorter processes, and fewer documents. It also recommends that member states support an easier transition for migrants into the world of work, entrepreneurship, and academia.

The Strategy complements the EU’s efforts to digitise its border control IT systems – its new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased roll-out late last year.