BRUSSELS (Chatnewstv.com) — The European Union on Tuesday agreed to overhaul its visa suspension mechanism, giving the bloc sharper tools to halt visa-free travel for countries whose citizens exploit the system or whose governments breach EU values.
The Council of the EU and the European Parliament settled on new grounds that would allow Brussels to suspend visa-free access to the Schengen area, including cases where a third country offers “golden passports,” diverges from EU visa policy, or poses hybrid threats.
Under the revised law, the EU may also respond to deteriorating relations with a country—particularly over human rights violations or breaches of the UN Charter—by suspending visa exemptions.
Quantified Thresholds
In an effort to add transparency and predictability, the deal introduces clear thresholds: a 30% surge in irregular stays, asylum claims, or serious crimes could now trigger action. A country’s asylum recognition rate below 20% will also be considered grounds for suspension.
“This mechanism will now be more effective, and more fair,” the Council said.
Longer Suspensions, Targeted Measures
The initial suspension period is extended from 9 to 12 months, with the option to prolong it by an additional 24 months—six more than the current limit. During this time, the European Commission is expected to engage the country in question to resolve the issues.
Notably, the revised mechanism allows the EU to target only specific groups—such as officials or diplomats—rather than suspend visa-free access for an entire population, when violations are clearly attributable to a regime rather than its people.
From Temporary to Permanent
Should a country fail to address the EU’s concerns, the bloc could move to permanently revoke its visa waiver status.
The agreement must still be formally endorsed by both EU institutions before entering into law.
The visa waiver safeguard mechanism has been in place since 2013, allowing the EU to temporarily reintroduce visa requirements when countries abuse visa-free travel—such as by enabling overstays or large numbers of unfounded asylum claims.
Officials say the reform reflects growing concerns over irregular migration, as well as attempts by third countries to influence the EU through non-aligned visa policies.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
