On the Move: More flexible Schengen visa rules: new proposal from the European Commission
On April 1st, 2014 the European Commission released a new proposal on More flexible visa rules to boost growth and job creation.
Many non-EU nationals wishing to travel to the EU are often faced with cumbersome, lengthy and costly visa procedures. This proposal aims to seriously shorten and simplify the procedures for those wanting to come to the EU for short stays, and induce more cost savings and less bureaucracy, whilst maintaining the level of security.
The proposal includes amendments to the existing EU Visa Code and the creation of a new Touring visa, particularly interesting for performing artists visiting the EU from third countries.
"Europe needs a smarter visa policy. We need to attract more tourists, business people, researchers, students, artists and culture professionals to our shores. Now, we want to boost our economy and create new jobs by underlining the economic dimension in our visa policy, while keeping a high level of security at our borders. Today's proposals will greatly facilitate the procedures for short stay visitors. Thanks to these proposals we expect a serious increase of travellers in the years to come," said Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs.
The proposal has to be discussed by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.
We at On the Move are glad that the proposal takes into account some of therecommendations sent to the European Commission last year, expressing the needs of the mobile cultural sector. We will follow the process closely and keep you up-to-date via our website, monthly newsletter and Facebook page. Stay tuned! And feel free to get in touch if you need more detailed information.
Check On the Move’s information page on Schengen visas and artists' mobility for more details.
Kind regards,
the On the Move team
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On the Move
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