Graham Watson MEP

Reviewing Europe's visa policy can help Europe's image

Published on Thursday 1st March 2007

At a public hearing yesterday in the European Parliament's Civil Liberties committee on a new Community Customs Code, and again this morning at a conference organised by European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), Liberals and Democrats have emphasized for the European Union to open up its accessibility to legitimate visitors from countries in its near neighbourhood by improving visa facilitation.

Henrik Lax MEP (Svenska Folkpartiet, Finland), EP rapporteur in LIBE committee underlined the responsibility Europe has for stabilising and assisting its neighbourhood. "Our policy is currently driven from national capitals preoccupied by security concerns. Yet those who pose a security threat are the least inconvenienced by a rigid and burdensome visa regime. Many thousands of legitimate short-term visitors are deprived of experiencing European culture and educational facilities because of the obstacles in the way of obtaining a visa."

"The complexity of procedures, the time delays for processing applications, the fees involved and security checks all mount up and give a poor impression of a welcoming, open society. Nor does it help the peoples of countries like those in the Western Balkans move on from the problems of their recent past."

Speaking to the LYMEC conference today, Graham Watson (Liberal and Democrat group leader in the European Parliament) said: "Mobility is as important as access to modern communication technology for the development of a knowledge- based economy. Freedom of mobility is one of the most fundamental liberties there is. Both the European integration and the fall of the communist block have unleashed a strong will among the people to travel and experience new places."

"Dividing society into two groups - the privileged few who can get a multi-entry visa and benefit from simplified procedures and those who cannot enjoy such advantages is a dangerous recipe for the future. Diplomats, businessmen and sports teams need to move around, but there is no reason why such privileges should be denied to ordinary tourists and young people seeking fresh experiences."