Euractiv: EU to introduce visa-free travel checks every three years and new visa sanctions
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The European Commission is planning to tighten the conditions for granting and reviewing visa-free regimes for third countries that do not cooperate with the EU on migration issues. This is stated in an internal memo of the Commission, which was reviewed by Euractiv.

The goal of the changes is to make the EU more attractive to talented professionals while restricting access for non-cooperative countries.

This is part of a broader strategy of the European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen – use domestic political instruments to achieve foreign policy goals.

Under the new conditions, visa-free regimes will be reviewed every three years (or earlier in case of extraordinary circumstances). The EU will be able to suspend or cancel benefits through a faster and more flexible procedure than the current system.

The plan proposes visa sanctions for countries with deteriorating relations with the EU, including a travel ban for officials and the suspension of "optional" visas.

Article 25a of the EU Visa Code, which links the issuance of visas to cooperation in the field of migrant return, will be applied more strictly.

If a country refuses to take back its citizens, visas may be partially or completely suspended – even for diplomatic passports or long-term residence permits.

At the same time, the plan aims to make it easier for researchers, startup founders, and highly skilled workers to come to the EU to compensate for the labor shortage.

The Commission will recommend that EU countries simplify procedures for obtaining long-term visas and residence permits. It is possible to issue 10-year multiple-entry Schengen visas for "bona fide" travelers to support business. The document does not specify the amount of money to be allocated for this initiative.

In addition, it is proposed to create an EU Visa Support Office within the structure of Frontex, the EU border agency. The new unit will train consular officers and even send additional temporary staff to help overloaded consulates during peak seasons.

The strategy also envisages increased oversight of private companies that process visa applications on behalf of EU countries and the first-ever EU study of outsourcing practices, a politically sensitive topic following scandals with external service providers.

The final decision will be made by the European Parliament and the EU Council when the strategy is officially presented at the end of the year.