The EU establishes revised criteria for revoking visa-free travel privileges for third countries.
The EU has introduced three new criteria that could lead to the suspension of visa-free travel privileges for nationals of certain third countries. These criteria include failure to align visa policies with the EU, operating Golden Passport schemes, and deficiencies in document security legislation or procedures. Currently, citizens from 65 countries can travel visa-free to the Schengen Zone.
Under the new mechanism announced on March 13, ambassadors of EU Member States have agreed to update the criteria for suspending visa-free travel privileges. This includes cases where a third country's visa policies do not align with those of the EU, where they operate investor citizenship schemes (Golden Passports), or where there are issues related to document security legislation or procedures.
Additionally, the possibility to suspend visa-free travel may also be considered in situations of a significant deterioration in the EU's external relations with a third country, particularly concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The previous grounds for canceling visa-free travel remain in effect, including situations where there is a substantial increase in refusal of entry or overstaying by nationals of a visa-free country, an increase in unfounded asylum applications, non-cooperation with the EU on readmission, or failure to meet visa liberalization benchmarks.
Several countries with visa-free travel arrangements with the EU operate schemes that allow foreigners to obtain citizenship through investment. These countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montenegro, North Macedonia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. These schemes have faced criticism from the EU for potentially enabling criminals and corrupt individuals to gain access to Europe.
One country that has faced criticism for not aligning its visa policies with the EU is Serbia, which has allowed visa-free entry for nationals of countries known for being sources of irregular migrants to the EU. However, under pressure from the EU, Serbia has reintroduced visas for nationals of certain countries. Despite this, Serbia still offers visa-free entry to nationals of other countries, including Russia and China, which are not eligible for visa-free travel to the EU.