Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are demanding a swift re-establishment of free movement in the Schengen area to promote economic recovery in the European Union – a resolution that would positively affect individuals applying for Schengen visas and golden visas.
During a European Parliament Plenary session on June 19, MEPs pointed out that continued internal border controls in the Schengen area have negatively impacted individuals and businesses. They voted on a resolution to address the situation in the Schengen area with 520 votes in favour and 86 against, with 59 abstentions.
The MEPs argued that the integration of European countries allowed for freedom of movement, and an urgent, coordinated return a fully functioning Schengen area is necessary to safeguard that right. They also stated that a discussion was required regarding a Recovery Plan to ensure that temporary internal border controls would not become semi-permanent. A contingency plan would also need to be considered in the event of a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak.
This follows a call from the European Commission on June 17 for visa operations to resume in the Schengen area as soon as possible, which would benefit applicants of Schengen visas or golden visas. The Commission recommended that the member states should allow third-country nationals to enter the EU from July 1.
MEPs have warned against uncoordinated, bilateral efforts by individual member states. They also emphasised that non-discrimination should be prioritised as borders reopen. The core values of the EU include “a complete return to free movement, no discrimination, mutual trust, and solidarity,” said Civil Liberties Committee Chair and rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES).
MEPs have also called on the European Commission to consider a reform of Schengen governance in the medium-term, emphasising that mutual trust between EU countries should be enhanced. Efforts to integrate Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia into the Schengen area would need to increase as well.
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