51995IP1238

B4-1238/95

Resolution on policy on visas for citizens of Central and Eastern European countries

The European Parliament,

- having regard to Article 100c of the Treaty establishing the European Community,

- having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2317/95 of 25 September 1995 determining the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the Member States ((OJ L 234, 3.10.1995, p. 1.)),

- having regard to its opinion of 21 April 1994 on the proposal for a Council Decision, based on Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, establishing the Convention on the crossing of the external frontiers of the Member States, and particularly Amendment 3 therein ((OJ C 128, 9.5.1994, p. 351.)),

- having regard to the recommendation of the EU-Romania Joint Parliamentary Committee of 20 April 1995 ((PE 212.787, 20.4.1995.)),

A. whereas pursuant to Article 100c(1) of the EC Treaty the Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, is to determine the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders,

B. whereas the European Community and its Member States have concluded Europe Agreements with six countries in Central and Eastern Europe (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania),

C. whereas, with the exception of Bulgaria and Romania, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe which are associated with the European Union do not appear on the list of countries whose nationals require visas ((OJ L 234, 3.10.1995, p. 3.)) which has been adopted by the Council,

1. Reiterates its view that the procedure for determining the countries whose nationals require visas must be based on objective criteria, which must be published;

2. Takes the view that those states which have signed an association agreement with the European Union with a view to accession should also be treated equally with regard to visa questions as a matter of principle, and considers that the visa-free movement of persons between those countries and the European Union should be the rule;

3. Calls on the Council and Commission to indicate why nationals of Bulgaria and Romania require visas, to make it possible to assess whether the reasons for this measure are sufficiently serious to warrant it;

4. Observes that, where exceptions are made to these fundamental principles, reasons must be stated, and that the exceptions should apply only for the inevitably brief transitional period during which the grounds for them persist;

5. Calls on the Council and Commission, therefore, to review the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the list of countries whose nationals require visas and initiate negotiations with both countries with a view to determining and implementing the necessary measures to achieve the aim of visa-free movement of persons as soon as possible;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the countries which are candidates for accession.