European Parliament votes to end visa-free travel...

Transcription

1 News World Europe end cans The passing of the non-binding resolution comes after the US failed to agree visa-free travel for citizens of five EU countries Jon Sharman Friday 3 March :15 GMT Like Click to follow The Independent Online 1 of 9 06/04/ :57 PM

2 Game of Thrones season 7 finale set to be the longest episode to date The READ European MORE Parliament has voted to end visa-free travel for Americans within the EU. It comes after the US failed to agree visa-free travel for citizens of five EU countries Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania as part of a reciprocity agreement. US citizens can normally travel to all countries in the bloc without a visa. The vote urges the revocation of the scheme within two months, meaning Americans will have to apply for extra documents for 12 months after the European Commission implements a delegated act to bring the change into effect. The Commission discovered three years ago that the US was not meeting its obligations under the reciprocity agreement but has not yet taken any legal action. The latest vote, prepared by the civil liberties committee and approved by a plenary session of parliament, gives the Commission two months to act 2 of 9 06/04/ :57 PM

3 the delegated act it uses to do so. In December, MEPs pressed for the move in order to encourage Washington to play its part, according to a statement by the parliament. But Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos warned of consequences, including potential retaliation and a drop in visitor numbers precipitating substantial losses for the continent s tourism industry. 3 of 9 06/04/ :57 PM

4 Carmelo Abela, Malta s minister for national security, said: This agreement will bring the people of Georgia and the EU closer together and will strengthen tourism and business ties. It follows the completion of the necessary reforms by Georgia, addressing document security, border management, migration and asylum. Last month it was reported that the EU was considering the adoption of a US-style electronic travel permit scheme a move that could create a new administrative hurdle for British tourists after Brexit. World news in pictures 4 of 9 06/04/ :57 PM

5 show all Immigration minister Robert Goodwill told Parliament the EU was discussing the possibility of introducing a version of America s Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Currently foreign travellers must pay a fee of $14 ( 11) when they complete ESTA, an automated online system that determines their eligibility to travel to the US. British people are now used to the US ESTA scheme and, therefore, we view with interest how the European scheme might develop and what similarities, and differences, there may be to the US scheme, Mr Goodwill said. 5 of 9 06/04/ :57 PM

6 EU politician says women 'must earn less than men' because they are 'weaker and less intelligent' This type of scheme is generally there to help enhance security. To get to know as much as possible about the people who are intending to travel. READ MORE MEP says women are smaller, weaker' and 'less intelligent May facing another Lords defeat to stop 'no deal' Brexit, peers warn British travellers to Europe to face more red tape? 6 of 9 06/04/ :57 PM

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