European Parliament Passes Resolution Allowing Suspension or Permanent Revocation of Visa-Free Access for Certain Countries

On the 7th local time, the European Parliament passed a resolution during its plenary session in Strasbourg with 518 votes in favor, 96 against, and 24 abstentions. The resolution allows the EU to temporarily or permanently suspend the visa-free regime for third-country nationals eligible for short-term stays in the Schengen Area.

Dozens of countries and regions, including the United States, Israel, and Australia, currently have visa-waiver agreements with Schengen countries. The latest changes stipulate that visas may be suspended if certain specific threats arise. The new rules also allow for the separate restriction of visa-free privileges for government officials from non-compliant countries. The initial suspension process may be temporary, but if violations are not corrected, it could lead to permanent revocation.

The EU is also considering temporarily suspending the visa-free regime with Georgia if it fails to fully comply with standards during its parliamentary elections on October 26.