The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a reform of the mechanism allowing the temporary suspension of visa-free travel agreements with third countries. The proposal was adopted with 518 votes in favor, 96 against and 24 abstentions, marking an important step towards a more modern, fair and responsible European visa policy.
With this reform, the EU aims to transform the existing technical procedure for suspending visa exemptions into a strategic foreign policy tool that upholds human rights, international law and the core values of the Union.
A strong political message
The reform sends a clear and unambiguous message: if a country violates international law, undermines human dignity, freedom or the rule of law, it cannot expect the privileges of visa-free access to the European Union. Visa policy is no longer an administrative formality, but a reflection of the EU’s wider commitment to upholding its founding principles and protecting its citizens.
Key elements of the reform
The updated mechanism applies to 61 countries whose citizens currently enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Under the new framework, the European Commission can reintroduce visa requirements – initially on a temporary basis – if there are security, migration or political alignment concerns, and make such measures permanent if the issues remain unresolved.
Grounds for temporary suspension include
A sharp increase in serious crimes or asylum denials;
Increased overstay or refusal of entry;
Violations of the UN Charter, international human rights or humanitarian law;
Failure to comply with international court decisions;
Hybrid threats, such as state-sponsored instrumentalization of migration to destabilize EU societies;
Investor citizenship schemes (“golden passports”) that pose security risks;
Lack of alignment with EU visa policy.
The reform also allows for the targeted suspension of visa-free travel for government officials directly responsible for human rights violations or breaches of international law. The goal is to avoid penalizing civil society, journalists, or human rights defenders for the actions of their governments.
Next steps
The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a preliminary agreement on the reform in June 2025. Final approval by the EU Council is expected soon. Once published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the regulation will enter into force 20 days later.
The reform strengthens the EU’s position as a community of values, demonstrating that visa-free access is a privilege based on trust, mutual respect and compliance with international standards.
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