Brussels – the European Movement International (EMI) is concerned that the Visa Waiver Suspension Mechanism, adopted by the European Parliament on September 12th, could set a worrying precedent that would see European identity taking a step backwards.

The adopted proposals pave the way for the European Commission to fast track visa restrictions on countries that currently benefit from visa-free travel to the European Union. This would impact the mobility of citizens in candidate and potential candidate countries and would potentially reverse great achievements made in this area.

The EMI expresses disappointment that the European Parliament chose to relinquish its co-decision power on this issue that should be considered of central importance to the European project.

The EMI believes that motivation for this ‘fast-track’ suspension procedure could stem from nationalist and anti-immigration voices in some member states. By renouncing its balancing role, the European Parliament has ignored the plurality it represents.

Visa free travel should not lead to irregularities or abuse, and the EMI supports EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström’s statement to this affect. Nevertheless, the measures on visa-free travel could strengthen anti-European feelings in the countries targeted by this mechanism and the EMI urges the European institutions to ensure this is not the case.

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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.