Europe must defend the integrity of the Schengen area and act swiftly to counter hybrid threats, state-sponsored migration manipulation, and regimes that exploit our openness. Today, the European Parliament will vote on changes to the Visa Suspension Mechanism, giving the EU new powers to suspend visa-free travel when Europe’s security is at risk. For the first time, hybrid threats and citizenship-for-sale schemes are added as grounds for not allowing visa-free travelling - alongside irregular migration and security risks.
‘Credibility is what counts. We extended suspension periods, lowered the thresholds for action, and directed measures at decision-makers rather than ordinary citizens. The result is a system that is firm when security is at stake, fair in its application, and effective in closing the loopholes that put Europe at risk. Such reforms strengthen deterrence, preserve vital people-to-people ties, and reinforce Europe’s ability to respond when partners fail to cooperate,” said Ana Miguel Pedro MEP, EPP Group’s negotiator of the reform.
The EPP Group is convinced that this reform is a significant step forward – it protects Schengen, strengthens our security, and demonstrates that the EPP Group delivers results where they matter most.
“The EPP Group succeeded in achieving the inclusion of substantial improvements in key areas for us, such as hybrid threats and security risks, as well as the revision of suspension thresholds. These changes send a clear and firm message to third countries which, despite being considered partners, fail to sufficiently cooperate with the EU and its Member States in addressing security threats and irregular migration,” Pedro added.
