On the 7th local time, the European Parliament passed a resolution at its plenary session in Strasbourg with 518 votes in favor, 96 votes against and 24 abstentions. ResolutionsAllowing the EU to temporarily or permanently suspend the visa-free regime for citizens of third countries eligible for short-term travel to the Schengen area.
Currently, dozens of countries and regions, including the United States, Israel and Australia, have signed visa-free agreements with Schengen countries. The latest changes stipulate that their visas may be suspended if certain specific threats arise. The new rules also allow government officials in violating countries to individually restrict their visa-free treatment. The initial suspension process may be temporary, but it may be permanent if the violation is not corrected.
The EU is also considering suspending the visa-free regime with Georgia if Georgia fails to fully comply with the criteria during the October 26 parliamentary elections.