The EU has officially established a mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for third countries
The EU has officially established a mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for third countries, allowing for more flexible responses to violations of agreement principles, including security concerns and human rights abuses. The new grounds include violations of UN resolutions, international law, hybrid threats (such as state-sponsored migrant instrumentalization and investor citizenship schemes, known as "golden passports," which raise security concerns), and non-compliance with visa policies.
Threshold levels for assessing violations have been set, providing the EU with additional tools for action. The law still requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council.
Currently, visa-free travel is available to 61 countries, with suspensions being rare, such as in the case of Vanuatu. In light of this reform, the EU is also considering the possibility of revoking visa-free access for Israeli citizens due to concerns related to human rights violations.