07.05.2025 22:01
In the Turkey report adopted by the European Parliament today, a call was made for EU member states to increase the resources and capacity allocated for Schengen visa applications from Turkey. The report also noted that if Turkey meets the remaining 6 criteria out of the 72 required for visa liberalization, the visa liberalization process could be restarted.
The European Parliament (EP) approved the Turkey report prepared by Turkey Rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor, which evaluates Turkey's accession process to the European Union (EU), the situation in Turkey, and the EU's relations with Turkey, with the support of 367 parliamentarians. In the vote, 74 parliamentarians voted against, and 188 abstained.
VISA LIBERALIZATION PROCESS WILL RESUME IF 6 CRITERIA ARE MET
The report, which includes severe criticisms directed at Turkey but also highlights Turkey's increasing geopolitical and strategic importance, addressed the issue of visa liberalization for Turkey. It was emphasized in the report that if Turkey meets the remaining 6 criteria out of the 72 required for visa liberalization, the visa liberalization process could resume.
"THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IS SADDENED BY THE PROBLEMS FACED BY TURKISH CITIZENS"
The report stated, "The European Parliament is saddened by the problems faced by Turkish citizens due to high demand for visa applications to EU member states and concerns that the system may be abused." The report emphasized that the EP has a political will to facilitate access to visas and called for both sides to intensify their efforts to overcome the remaining technical and administrative barriers.
CALL FOR INCREASE IN CAPACITY AND RESOURCES FOR VISA APPLICATIONS FROM TURKEY TO EU COUNTRIES
In light of the difficulties faced by Turkish citizens in obtaining Schengen visas, the report included a call for EU countries to increase the resources allocated to this issue and to enhance capacity. The report stated, "The European Parliament requests an increase in the resources allocated to this issue by EU member states and particularly supports measures to facilitate visas for business activities and Erasmus students."