Amendment to Regulation (EC) No 810/2009
This resolution objects to a proposed increase in EU visa fees, arguing it is not justified and ill-timed. The European Parliament believes the increase contradicts agreements made during negotiations for a new digital visa system. The proposed fee increase affects third-country nationals applying for visas to enter the EU. It could disproportionately impact marginalised groups, making travel less accessible for them. The Parliament agreed with co-legislators not to raise fees when the visa system was being digitalised. This digital system is expected to save money for both applicants and Member States through reduced administrative work and the elimination of physical visa stickers. The Commission's delegated regulation to increase visa fees is considered a breach of the agreement between EU institutions. Parliament has instructed its President to inform the Commission that the regulation cannot enter into force.
Analysis
The European Parliament objects to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 March 2024 concerning the amount of visa fees.
What changes
- Objection to a Commission delegated regulation of 14 March 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 regarding visa fees.
- The President of the European Parliament is instructed to notify the Commission that the delegated regulation cannot enter into force.
Expected impact
- Digitalisation of the visa procedure is estimated to result in significant cost savings for Member States, including up to EUR 76.6 million from no longer requiring visa stickers.
- Implementing an EU visa application platform is expected to reduce administrative burdens on consulates, with estimated savings of up to EUR 521.6 million for Member States between 2025-2029.
- An increase in visa fees could disproportionately affect marginalised groups.
Limitations
- The document is a motion for a resolution and does not contain the full text of the Commission delegated regulation it objects to.
- Specific details on the exact amount of the proposed visa fee increase are not provided in this text.
- The full impact of the objection on the entry into force of the delegated regulation is not detailed.
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