US visa deadlock could lead to sanctions

EU member states are to consider imposing sanctions on US diplomats following Washington’s continued refusal to lift visa requirements for citizens travelling from some member states.

The European Commission will brief justice ministers on a report today (5 October) which says there has been no "tangible progress" in reaching agreement on lifting visa requirements and that "appropriate steps vis à vis the United States could be envisaged, for example, temporarily restoring the visa requirement for US nationals holding diplomatic and duty/official passports".

Under rules agreed last year, the Council of Ministers will have three months to decide by weighted majority voting if steps, such as sanctions on diplomats, should be taken. The issue is likely to be controversial and some member states, notably the UK, are not in favour of imposing sanctions.

The US places visa requirements on citizens from Greece and the new member states (excluding Slovenia) because it says these states have not met rules on having a low rate of their citizens over-staying visas, the number of visas refused and the quick reporting of lost or stolen passports to the US authorities.

The Commission report points out that "concerns remain regarding the data used to support the US position, in particular with regard to overstay and visa refusal rates".

It adds: "On the subject of overstay rates, the United States does not currently possess a system for recording entries and exits from its territory and therefore has no reliable factual data."

Progress had been made on reaching agreement with Canada and Australia on lifting visa requirements for all EU citizens, the report says.

The new member states are keen for the EU to make a joint stand on the issue because they feel it is another example of their citizens not being treated in the same way as those from older member states. One of these other complaints refers to the delays in the lifting of border and passport controls for new member states, an issue which will also be discussed by justice ministers today.

EU member states are to consider imposing sanctions on US diplomats following Washington’s continued refusal to lift visa requirements for citizens travelling from some member states.