BETA


2013/0356(NLE) EU/Azerbaijan Agreement: facilitation of the issuance of visas

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead LIBE GABRIEL Mariya (icon: PPE PPE) ŽDANOKA Tatjana (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE)
Committee Opinion AFET JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli (icon: ALDE ALDE) Jaromír KOHLÍČEK (icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL), Ulrike LUNACEK (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE), Monica MACOVEI (icon: ECR ECR)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
TFEU 077-p2, TFEU 218-p6a

Events

2014/04/30
   Final act published in Official Journal
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/242/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2013/695/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 29 November 2013, subject to its conclusion. The Agreement should be approved.

CONTENT: the Decision provides that the Council, after obtaining the approval of the European Parliament, concludes, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation.

Terms of the Agreement : the main provisions are as follows:

· for all visa applicants , a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;

· the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35 . This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee;

· the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons for whom only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;

· simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, and sport events, in accordance with the conditions set out: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

· citizens of Azerbaijan who are holders of a valid diplomatic passport will not require a visa for short stays.

Other provisions : the Agreement also contains a series of technical provisions including a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

Territorial provisions : the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark will not take part in the adoption of the Agreement and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 14.04.2014. The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.

2014/04/14
   EP/CSL - Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
2014/04/14
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2014/04/14
   CSL - Council Meeting
2014/03/12
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 589 votes to 25, with 32 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

Documents
2014/03/10
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2014/03/04
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Mariya GABRIEL (EPP, BG) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Members recommended that Parliament consent to the conclusion of the Agreement, since the latter was a step forward in cooperation in the field of mobility and were of political and procedural importance. As a result of the new rules introduced in the agreements, procedures would be simpler and faster.

Documents
2014/02/20
   EP - Vote in committee
2014/02/07
   CSL - Legislative proposal
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLEOF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2013/695/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 29 November 2013, subject to its conclusion.

That Agreement should now be concluded.

CONTENT: the draft decision aims to conclude the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

For details of the terms of the Agreement, please see the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 29/10/2013.

Documents
2014/02/06
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2014/02/06
   EC - Legislative proposal published
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLEOF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2013/695/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 29 November 2013, subject to its conclusion.

That Agreement should now be concluded.

CONTENT: the draft decision aims to conclude the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

For details of the terms of the Agreement, please see the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 29/10/2013.

Documents
2014/01/20
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2013/12/05
   EP - GABRIEL Mariya (PPE) appointed as rapporteur in LIBE
2013/11/26
   EP - JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli (ALDE) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
2013/11/18
   CSL - Document attached to the procedure
Documents
2013/10/29
   EP - Preparatory document
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course.

On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.

Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators.

Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations.

The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement.

It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaïdjan on visa facilitation.

Terms of the Agreement : the main provisions are as follows:

for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment; the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35 . This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events; the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons : close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required; simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

Other provisions: these are as follows:

a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC; a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports; a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security; a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

Territorial provisions : the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.

Documents

Votes

A7-0155/2014 - Mariya Gabriel - Approbation #

2014/03/12 Outcome: +: 589, 0: 32, -: 25
DE FR IT ES PL RO HU PT GB SE BG EL CZ NL SK BE HR AT IE FI LT LV DK EE SI CY MT LU
Total
87
60
56
50
35
28
19
19
68
18
17
15
15
25
13
16
12
18
11
10
9
9
8
6
6
6
4
5
icon: PPE PPE
229

Czechia PPE

1

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1
2

Malta PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

Against (1)

3
icon: S&D S&D
163

Hungary S&D

2

Netherlands S&D

3

Ireland S&D

1

Finland S&D

1

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
72

Greece ALDE

1

Slovakia ALDE

For (1)

1

Belgium ALDE

2

Austria ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

For (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
52

Spain Verts/ALE

1

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Belgium Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

3

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
32

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Greece GUE/NGL

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

Against (1)

2

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
46

Hungary ECR

For (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

For (1)

1

Belgium ECR

For (1)

1

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1
icon: EFD EFD
23
2

Bulgaria EFD

For (1)

1

Greece EFD

1

Netherlands EFD

For (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

For (1)

1

Belgium EFD

Against (1)

1

Finland EFD

For (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
28

France NI

2

Italy NI

2

Spain NI

1

Bulgaria NI

Against (1)

1

Austria NI

Abstain (1)

4

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

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date
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docs
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shadows
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committee
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rapporteur
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events/5/docs/0/url
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procedure/Modified legal basis
Old
Rules of Procedure EP 150
New
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activities
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  • date: 2014-02-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=17846%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC type: Legislative proposal published title: 17846/2013 body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/ title: Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner: MALMSTRÖM Cecilia type: Legislative proposal published
  • date: 2014-02-20T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-26T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli body: EP shadows: group: Verts/ALE name: ŽDANOKA Tatjana responsible: True committee: LIBE date: 2013-12-05T00:00:00 committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: GABRIEL Mariya
  • body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2014-0155&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading title: A7-0155/2014 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-26T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli body: EP shadows: group: Verts/ALE name: ŽDANOKA Tatjana responsible: True committee: LIBE date: 2013-12-05T00:00:00 committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: GABRIEL Mariya date: 2014-03-04T00:00:00
  • date: 2014-03-10T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-26T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli body: EP shadows: group: Verts/ALE name: ŽDANOKA Tatjana responsible: True committee: LIBE date: 2013-12-05T00:00:00 committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: GABRIEL Mariya
  • date: 2014-03-12T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2014-0214 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T7-0214/2014 body: EP type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
  • date: 2014-04-14T00:00:00 body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Agriculture and Fisheries meeting_id: 3308
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docs
  • date: 2013-11-18T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=15554%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 15554/2013 type: Document attached to the procedure body: CSL
  • date: 2014-01-20T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE527.928 title: PE527.928 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2014-02-06T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE526.103&secondRef=02 title: PE526.103 committee: AFET type: Committee opinion body: EP
events
  • date: 2013-10-29T00:00:00 type: Initial legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=742 title: EUR-Lex title: COM(2013)0742 summary: PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course. On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement. Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators. Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations. The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement. It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU. CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaïdjan on visa facilitation. Terms of the Agreement : the main provisions are as follows: for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment; the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35 . This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events; the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons : close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required; simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued; Other provisions: these are as follows: a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC; a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports; a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security; a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports. Territorial provisions : the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.
  • date: 2014-02-07T00:00:00 type: Legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=17846%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 17846/2013 summary: PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLEOF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2013/695/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 29 November 2013, subject to its conclusion. That Agreement should now be concluded. CONTENT: the draft decision aims to conclude the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas. For details of the terms of the Agreement, please see the summary of the initial legislative proposal of 29/10/2013.
  • date: 2014-02-20T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2014-03-04T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2014-0155&language=EN title: A7-0155/2014 summary: The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Mariya GABRIEL (EPP, BG) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas. Members recommended that Parliament consent to the conclusion of the Agreement, since the latter was a step forward in cooperation in the field of mobility and were of political and procedural importance. As a result of the new rules introduced in the agreements, procedures would be simpler and faster.
  • date: 2014-03-10T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2014-03-12T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2014-0214 title: T7-0214/2014 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 589 votes to 25, with 32 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas. Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.
  • date: 2014-04-14T00:00:00 type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament body: EP/CSL
  • date: 2014-04-14T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2014-04-30T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal summary: PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas. NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/242/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas. BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2013/695/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 29 November 2013, subject to its conclusion. The Agreement should be approved. CONTENT: the Decision provides that the Council, after obtaining the approval of the European Parliament, concludes, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation. Terms of the Agreement : the main provisions are as follows: · for all visa applicants , a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment; · the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35 . This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee; · the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons for whom only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required; · simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, and sport events, in accordance with the conditions set out: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued; · citizens of Azerbaijan who are holders of a valid diplomatic passport will not require a visa for short stays. Other provisions : the Agreement also contains a series of technical provisions including a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports. Territorial provisions : the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark will not take part in the adoption of the Agreement and are not bound by it or subject to its application. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 14.04.2014. The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council. docs: title: Decision 2014/242 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32014D0242 title: OJ L 128 30.04.2014, p. 0047 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:128:TOC
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  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/ title: Migration and Home Affairs commissioner: MALMSTRÖM Cecilia
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  • PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

    NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/242/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

    BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2013/695/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 29 November 2013, subject to its conclusion. The Agreement should be approved.

    CONTENT: the Decision provides that the Council, after obtaining the approval of the European Parliament, concludes, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation.

    Terms of the Agreement: the main provisions are as follows:

    ·        for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;

    ·        the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35. This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee;

    ·        the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons for whom only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;

    ·        simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, and sport events, in accordance with the conditions set out: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

    ·        citizens of Azerbaijan who are holders of a valid diplomatic passport will not require a visa for short stays.

    Other provisions: the Agreement also contains a series of technical provisions including a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

    Territorial provisions: the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark will not take part in the adoption of the Agreement and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

    ENTRY INTO FORCE: 14.04.2014. The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.

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  • The European Parliament adopted by 589 votes to 25, with 32 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

    Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

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Old

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course.

On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.

Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators.

Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations.

The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement.

It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaïdjan on visa facilitation.

Terms of the Agreement: the main provisions are as follows:

  • for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;
  • the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35. This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events;
  • the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons: close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;
  • simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

Other provisions: these are as follows:

  • a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC;
  • a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports;
  • a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security;
  • a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

Territorial provisions: the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course.

On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.

Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators.

Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations.

The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement.

It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaïdjan on visa facilitation.

Terms of the Agreement: the main provisions are as follows:

  • for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;
  • the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35. This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events;
  • the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons: close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;
  • simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

Other provisions: these are as follows:

  • a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC;
  • a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports;
  • a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security;
  • a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

Territorial provisions: the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.

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Old

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course.

On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.

Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators.

Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations.

The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement.

It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation.

Terms of the Agreement: the main provisions are as follows:

·        for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;

·        the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35. This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events;

·        the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons: close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;

·        simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

Other provisions: these are as follows:

·        a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC;

·        a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports;

·        a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security;

·        a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

Territorial provisions: the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course.

On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.

Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators.

Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations.

The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement.

It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaïdjan on visa facilitation.

Terms of the Agreement: the main provisions are as follows:

  • for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;
  • the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35. This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events;
  • the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons: close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;
  • simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

Other provisions: these are as follows:

  • a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC;
  • a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports;
  • a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security;
  • a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

Territorial provisions: the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan aiming to facilitate the issuance of visas.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    BACKGROUND: in the context of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 30 September 2011, the EU and the partner countries confirmed their political support for enhancing the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment and reaffirmed their intention to take gradual steps towards a visa free regime for their citizens in due course.

    On that basis the Commission presented on 16 September 2011, a recommendation to the Council in order to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with Azerbaijan on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.

    Following the authorisation given by the Council on 19 December 2011, the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the Agreement were opened in Baku on 1 March 2012 and continued until 13 March 2013 in Brussels. The final text of the Agreement was initialled in Brussels on 29 July 2013 by the chief negotiators.

    Member States have been regularly informed and consulted in the relevant Council Working Groups at all stages of the negotiations.

    The Commission considers that the objectives set by the Council in its negotiating directives were attained and that the draft Agreement is acceptable to the Union. The European Parliament needs to give its consent to the Agreement.

    It is necessary now to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

    CONTENT: the proposed decision provides that the Council conclude, on behalf of the EU, the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation.

    Terms of the Agreement: the main provisions are as follows:

    ·        for all visa applicants, a decision on whether or not to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 calendar days. This period may be extended up to 30 calendar days when further scrutiny is needed. In urgent cases, the period for taking a decision may be reduced to two working days or less. As a rule, the visa applicants can have an appointment for lodging their application within a period of two weeks from the date of request and in cases of urgency immediately or without an appointment;

    ·        the visa fee for processing applications shall amount to EUR 35. This fee will be applied to all visa applicants and concerns both single and multiple-entry visas. Moreover, certain categories of persons benefit from a full waiver of the visa fee: pensioners, close relatives, members of official delegations participating in government activities, pupils, students (including postgraduate students), persons with disabilities, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them, representatives of civil society organisations, children under the age of 12, humanitarian cases and persons participating in scientific, cultural, artistic activities and sport events;

    ·        the documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey have been simplified for some categories of persons: close relatives, business people, members of official delegations, pupils, students and post-graduate students, participants in scientific, cultural and sporting events, journalists, persons visiting military and civil burials, representatives of civil society, members of the professions, drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, participants in official exchange programmes of twin cities and persons visiting for medical reasons. For these categories of persons, only the documents listed in the Agreement may be requested for justifying the purpose of the journey. No other justification, invitation or validation provided for by the legislation of the Member States or Azerbaijan will be required;

    ·        simplified criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas for the following categories of persons: (i) for permanent members of official delegations and spouses and children visiting citizens of the EU legally residing in the territory of Azerbaijan or citizens of Azerbaijan legally residing in the Member States or EU citizens residing in the territory of the Member States of which they are nationals or citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Azerbaijan: visas valid for five years (or shorter, limited to the period of the validity of their mandate or authorisation for legal residence); (ii) participants in scientific, cultural, official exchange programmes and sport events, journalists, students, business people, members of official delegations, representatives of civil society, members of the professions and drivers, provided that during the previous two years they have made good use of 1 year multiple-entry visas and the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry are still valid: visas valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 5 years are issued;

    Other provisions: these are as follows:

    ·        a protocol addresses the specific situation of Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis and their unilateral recognition of Schengen visas and residence permits issued to citizens of Azerbaijan for the purpose of transit through their territory in accordance with Council Decision N° 582/2008/EC;

    ·        a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on the implementation of Article 10 on diplomatic passports;

    ·        a Joint Declaration is attached to the Agreement on cooperation on travel documents and regular exchange of information on travel document security;

    ·        a Joint Declaration reaffirming that the Agreement does not affect the ability of individual Member States and Azerbaijan to conclude bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements for holders of service passports.

    Territorial provisions: the specific situations of Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland are reflected in the preamble. The close association of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the Agreement.

committees/0/date
2013-11-26T00:00:00
committees/0/rapporteur
  • group: ALDE name: JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli
committees/1/date
2013-12-05T00:00:00
committees/1/rapporteur
  • group: EPP name: GABRIEL Mariya
committees/1/shadows
  • group: Verts/ALE name: ŽDANOKA Tatjana
activities
  • date: 2013-10-29T00:00:00 docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=742 type: Legislative proposal published title: COM(2013)0742 type: Legislative proposal body: EC commission:
committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET
  • body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
links
National parliaments
other
    procedure
    legal_basis
    reference
    2013/0356(NLE)
    title
    EU/Azerbaijan Agreement: facilitation of the issuance of visas
    geographical_area
    Azerbaijan
    stage_reached
    Preparatory phase in Parliament
    subtype
    Consent by Parliament
    type
    NLE - Non-legislative enactments
    subject