As of 30 December, an updated visa-free suspension mechanics is in force in the European Union. The fresh strategy is expected to affect Georgia first — in the context of the increasing criticism of the ruling party's policies on the part of Brussels and another European capitals.
The updated rules let the EU "to respond more rapidly and sharply to cases of visa-free abuse or non-compliance with the interests of the Union". In particular, the European Union is granted the right to suspend visa-free travel if the visa policy of a 3rd country is not harmonised with EU policies.
Such a decision may besides be based on the practice of alleged "investment citizenship" in which passports are granted to persons who have no real relation with the country concerned.
In addition, the mechanics may be launched in the event of a deterioration in the relation between the EU and a 3rd country, for example in situations of serious human rights violations.
The Regulation importantly simplifies the procedure for launching the mechanics itself. The threshold at which there is simply a "significant increase" of refusals to enter, exceeding the permitted period of stay, asylum applications or serious crimes has been reduced from 50% to 30%.
Periods of temporary suspension of visa-free travel were besides extended. The first period is now 12 months alternatively of the erstwhile 9 months, with an extension of 24 months alternatively of 18. This longer transition phase is intended to enable dialog with the country afraid and remove the grounds for suspension before the decision becomes final.
The alleged "point approach" is besides a novelty. While the extension of the suspension automatically included all nationals of the country, the EU can now limit it to selected categories — first of all, government officials and diplomats.
Source: ekhokavkaza.com
Study Bulletin: BIS
