BETA


2017/0169(NLE) EU/Bahamas Agreement: short-stay visa waiver

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead LIBE PAVEL Emilian (icon: S&D S&D) GÁL Kinga (icon: PPE PPE), STEVENS Helga (icon: ECR ECR), MICHEL Louis (icon: ALDE ALDE), VALERO Bodil (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
TFEU 077-p2, TFEU 218-p6a

Events

2019/01/21
   Final act published in Official Journal
Details

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion of the amending agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2019/77 on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

CONTENT: the Council approved, on behalf of the European Union, the Agreement between the EU and the Bahamas amending the Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver.

As a reminder, the Commission negotiated, on behalf of the Union an agreement with the Bahamas which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. The amending agreement has been signed.

The amending agreement ensures legal coherence and harmonisation between Member States, in accordance with the new definition of short-term stay provided for by the amendment of the Schengen Borders Code. It therefore provides for a visa-free travel regime for EU citizens and citizens of the Bahamas travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom and Ireland do not participate. Consequently, these two countries are not bound by this decision or subject to its application.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.12.2018.

2018/12/20
   EP/CSL - Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
2018/12/20
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2018/12/20
   CSL - Council Meeting
2018/10/23
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2018/10/23
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted, by 591 votes to 48 with 9 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.

The new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership but continuing to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework. It significantly deepens relations between the European Union and the Bahamas, which is of great political importance in the context of the Cotonou Agreement.

Documents
2018/10/02
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Emilian PAVEL (S&D, RO) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The committee recommended that the European Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.

The Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas ensures legal coherence and harmonisation between Member States, in accordance with the new definition of short-term stay provided by the Schengen Borders Code amendment, which clarifies the meaning of this term (a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

The Bahamas is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Association of Caribbean States, Caribbean Community (though not the CARICOM Single Market and Economy), Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of American States and United Nations.

The explanatory statement accompanying the recommendation notes the following points:

economically , the Bahamas is among the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean region; it is now a significant financial centre and ship registry, among the largest in the world in terms of gross tonnage registered; politically speaking , the Bahamas is a constitutional monarchy. The country is a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature; the EU’s political dialogue with the various ACP countries and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in particular is gradually increasing.

The new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership but continuing to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework. I t significantly deepens relations between the European Union and the Bahamas, which is of great political importance in the context of the Cotonou Agreement.

Documents
2018/09/27
   EP - Vote in committee
2018/05/28
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2018/02/02
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2017/11/06
   CSL - Council Meeting
2017/10/24
   CSL - Legislative proposal
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

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

BACKGROUND: by its Decision 2009/897/EC, the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of three months during a six months period.

Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council introduced horizontal changes in the Union’s visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period .

It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union’s short-stay regime.

The Commission negotiated, on behalf of the Union, an agreement with the Bahamas which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’).

CONTENT: the draft Council Decision now seeks the approval, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European community and Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The provisions of the Agreement do not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.

Documents
2017/10/24
   CSL - Document attached to the procedure
Documents
2017/10/23
   EC - Legislative proposal published
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

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

BACKGROUND: by its Decision 2009/897/EC, the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of three months during a six months period.

Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council introduced horizontal changes in the Union’s visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period .

It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union’s short-stay regime.

The Commission negotiated, on behalf of the Union, an agreement with the Bahamas which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’).

CONTENT: the draft Council Decision now seeks the approval, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European community and Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The provisions of the Agreement do not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.

Documents
2017/09/25
   EP - PAVEL Emilian (S&D) appointed as rapporteur in LIBE
2017/07/28
   EC - Document attached to the procedure
2017/07/28
   EP - Preparatory document
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement amending the agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

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

BACKGROUND: by Decision of 30 November 2009, the Council concluded the agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 amended the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA), Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 (Schengen Borders Code) and Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). In so doing, it has redefined the term of ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area.

As from 18 October 2013, for third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short-stay, the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as '90 days in any 180-day period'.

The agreement between the Union and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver should incorporate this new definition .

With a view to implementing the new definition of short stay provided for in the amendment to the Schengen Borders Code, the Commission adopted on 16 July 2014 a recommendation for a Council Decision authorising negotiations to amend the Schengen the short-stay visa waiver between the European Union and seven countries : Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas , Barbados, Brazil, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Seychelles.

The negotiations with the Bahamas were successfully finalised by the initialling of the amending agreement on 30 August 2016.

CONTENT: this proposal is presented to the Council to authorise the conclusion of the Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The amendments introduced by the final agreement cover the following points:

Duration of stay : the final agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period (instead of a maximum period of three months during a six months period following the date of first entry).

A joint statement on the interpretation of the 90-day period over any 180-day period is attached to the amending agreement.

Suspension of the agreement : the agreement provides that suspension of the waiver shall be lifted if the suspension is no longer required.

All other provisions of the existing agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected by the amending agreement, including the territorial scope.

The provisions of the agreement shall not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.

Documents

Votes

A8-0304/2018 - Emilian Pavel - Approbation 23/10/2018 13:04:00.000 #

2018/10/23 Outcome: +: 591, -: 48, 0: 9
DE IT ES PL GB FR RO BE CZ AT PT SE BG NL SK FI DK HU LT LV IE HR SI LU EE MT CY EL ??
Total
89
60
49
45
61
63
26
20
19
18
17
19
14
22
13
11
11
11
8
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
3
15
2
icon: PPE PPE
191

United Kingdom PPE

1

Finland PPE

2

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Ireland PPE

3

Luxembourg PPE

3

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

1
icon: S&D S&D
166

Netherlands S&D

3

Hungary S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3

Cyprus S&D

For (1)

1

Greece S&D

Abstain (1)

3
icon: ALDE ALDE
58
3

Romania ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Sweden ALDE

2

Bulgaria ALDE

3
2

Latvia ALDE

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3
icon: ECR ECR
64

Italy ECR

2

Romania ECR

2

Czechia ECR

1

Sweden ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

2

Netherlands ECR

2

Slovakia ECR

Abstain (1)

3
2

Denmark ECR

2

Lithuania ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
47

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Hungary Verts/ALE

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
39

Italy GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
15

Germany NI

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

3

Romania NI

1

Denmark NI

1

NI

For (1)

Against (1)

2
icon: ENF ENF
28

Germany ENF

For (1)

1

Poland ENF

1

Netherlands ENF

3
icon: EFDD EFDD
38

Germany EFDD

For (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1

Czechia EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

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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events/6/docs/0/url
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New
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committees/0
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committee_full
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  • date: 2018-05-28T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: GÁL Kinga group: ECR name: STEVENS Helga group: ALDE name: MICHEL Louis group: GUE/NGL name: VERGIAT Marie-Christine group: Verts/ALE name: VALERO Bodil responsible: True committee: LIBE date: 2017-09-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs rapporteur: group: S&D name: PAVEL Emilian
commission
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council
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docs
  • date: 2017-07-28T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2017/0395/COM_COM(2017)0395_EN.pdf title: COM(2017)0395 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2017&nu_doc=0395 title: EUR-Lex type: Document attached to the procedure body: EC
  • date: 2017-10-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=12388%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 12388/2017 type: Document attached to the procedure body: CSL
  • date: 2018-02-02T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE616.766 title: PE616.766 type: Committee draft report body: EP
events
  • date: 2017-07-28T00:00:00 type: Initial legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2017/0394/COM_COM(2017)0394_EN.pdf title: COM(2017)0394 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2017&nu_doc=0394 title: EUR-Lex summary: PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement amending the agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: by Decision of 30 November 2009, the Council concluded the agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 amended the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA), Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 (Schengen Borders Code) and Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). In so doing, it has redefined the term of ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area. As from 18 October 2013, for third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short-stay, the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as '90 days in any 180-day period'. The agreement between the Union and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver should incorporate this new definition . With a view to implementing the new definition of short stay provided for in the amendment to the Schengen Borders Code, the Commission adopted on 16 July 2014 a recommendation for a Council Decision authorising negotiations to amend the Schengen the short-stay visa waiver between the European Union and seven countries : Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas , Barbados, Brazil, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Seychelles. The negotiations with the Bahamas were successfully finalised by the initialling of the amending agreement on 30 August 2016. CONTENT: this proposal is presented to the Council to authorise the conclusion of the Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. The amendments introduced by the final agreement cover the following points: Duration of stay : the final agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period (instead of a maximum period of three months during a six months period following the date of first entry). A joint statement on the interpretation of the 90-day period over any 180-day period is attached to the amending agreement. Suspension of the agreement : the agreement provides that suspension of the waiver shall be lifted if the suspension is no longer required. All other provisions of the existing agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected by the amending agreement, including the territorial scope. The provisions of the agreement shall not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.
  • date: 2017-10-24T00:00:00 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=12389%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 12389/2017 summary: PURPOSE: to conclude, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: by its Decision 2009/897/EC, the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of three months during a six months period. Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council introduced horizontal changes in the Union’s visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period . It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union’s short-stay regime. The Commission negotiated, on behalf of the Union, an agreement with the Bahamas which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’). CONTENT: the draft Council Decision now seeks the approval, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European community and Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. The provisions of the Agreement do not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.
  • date: 2018-05-28T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2018-09-27T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2018-10-02T00:00:00 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=A8-2018-0304&language=EN title: A8-0304/2018 summary: The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted the report by Emilian PAVEL (S&D, RO) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. The committee recommended that the European Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the agreement. The Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas ensures legal coherence and harmonisation between Member States, in accordance with the new definition of short-term stay provided by the Schengen Borders Code amendment, which clarifies the meaning of this term (a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period). The Bahamas is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Association of Caribbean States, Caribbean Community (though not the CARICOM Single Market and Economy), Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of American States and United Nations. The explanatory statement accompanying the recommendation notes the following points: economically , the Bahamas is among the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean region; it is now a significant financial centre and ship registry, among the largest in the world in terms of gross tonnage registered; politically speaking , the Bahamas is a constitutional monarchy. The country is a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature; the EU’s political dialogue with the various ACP countries and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in particular is gradually increasing. The new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership but continuing to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework. I t significantly deepens relations between the European Union and the Bahamas, which is of great political importance in the context of the Cotonou Agreement.
  • date: 2018-10-23T00:00:00 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=P8-TA-2018-0388 title: T8-0388/2018 summary: The European Parliament adopted, by 591 votes to 48 with 9 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the agreement. The new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership but continuing to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework. It significantly deepens relations between the European Union and the Bahamas, which is of great political importance in the context of the Cotonou Agreement.
  • date: 2018-12-20T00:00:00 type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament body: EP/CSL
  • date: 2018-12-20T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2019-01-21T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal summary: PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion of the amending agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2019/77 on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. CONTENT: the Council approved, on behalf of the European Union, the Agreement between the EU and the Bahamas amending the Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. As a reminder, the Commission negotiated, on behalf of the Union an agreement with the Bahamas which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver. The amending agreement has been signed. The amending agreement ensures legal coherence and harmonisation between Member States, in accordance with the new definition of short-term stay provided for by the amendment of the Schengen Borders Code. It therefore provides for a visa-free travel regime for EU citizens and citizens of the Bahamas travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom and Ireland do not participate. Consequently, these two countries are not bound by this decision or subject to its application. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.12.2018. docs: title: Decision 2019/77 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32019D0077 title: OJ L 018 21.01.2019, p. 0015 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2019:018:TOC
links
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/migration-and-home-affairs_en title: Migration and Home Affairs commissioner: AVRAMOPOULOS Dimitris
procedure/Modified legal basis
Rules of Procedure EP 159
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
Old
LIBE/8/10557
New
  • LIBE/8/10557
procedure/final
title
Decision 2019/77
url
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32019D0077
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting committee decision
New
Procedure completed
procedure/subject
Old
  • 6.40.06 Relations with ACP countries, conventions and generalities
  • 7.10.04 External borders crossing and controls, visas
New
6.40.06
Relations with ACP countries, conventions and generalities
7.10.04
External borders crossing and controls, visas
procedure/subtype
Old
Consent by Parliament
New
  • Consent by Parliament
  • See also 2009/0020(CNS)
procedure/summary
  • See also
activities/0/docs/0/text/0
Old

PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement amending the agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

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

BACKGROUND: by Decision of 30 November 2009, the Council concluded the agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 amended the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA), Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 (Schengen Borders Code) and Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). In so doing, it has redefined the term of ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area.

As from 18 October 2013, for third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short-stay, the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as '90 days in any 180-day period'.

The agreement between the Union and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver should incorporate this new definition.

With a view to implementing the new definition of short stay provided for in the amendment to the Schengen Borders Code, the Commission adopted on 16 July 2014 a recommendation for a Council Decision authorising negotiations to amend the Schengen the short-stay visa waiver between the European Union and seven countries: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Seychelles.

The negotiations with the Bahamas were successfully finalised by the initialling of the amending agreement on 30 August 2016.

CONTENT: this proposal is presented to the Council to authorise the conclusion of the Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The amendments introduced by the final agreement cover the following points:

Duration of stay: the final agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period (instead of a maximum period of three months during a six months period following the date of first entry).

A joint statement on the interpretation of the 90-day period over any 180-day period is attached to the amending agreement.

Suspension of the agreement: the agreement provides that suspension of the waiver shall be lifted if the suspension is no longer required.

All other provisions of the existing agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected by the amending agreement, including the territorial scope.

The provisions of the agreement shall not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.

New

PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement amending the agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

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

BACKGROUND: by Decision of 30 November 2009, the Council concluded the agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 amended the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA), Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 (Schengen Borders Code) and Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). In so doing, it has redefined the term of ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area.

As from 18 October 2013, for third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short-stay, the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as '90 days in any 180-day period'.

The agreement between the Union and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver should incorporate this new definition.

With a view to implementing the new definition of short stay provided for in the amendment to the Schengen Borders Code, the Commission adopted on 16 July 2014 a recommendation for a Council Decision authorising negotiations to amend the Schengen the short-stay visa waiver between the European Union and seven countries: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Seychelles.

The negotiations with the Bahamas were successfully finalised by the initialling of the amending agreement on 30 August 2016.

CONTENT: this proposal is presented to the Council to authorise the conclusion of the Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

The amendments introduced by the final agreement cover the following points:

Duration of stay: the final agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period (instead of a maximum period of three months during a six months period following the date of first entry).

A joint statement on the interpretation of the 90-day period over any 180-day period is attached to the amending agreement.

Suspension of the agreement: the agreement provides that suspension of the waiver shall be lifted if the suspension is no longer required.

All other provisions of the existing agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected by the amending agreement, including the territorial scope.

The provisions of the agreement shall not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.

activities/0/docs/0/type
Old
Legislative proposal published
New
Initial legislative proposal published
activities/0/type
Old
Legislative proposal published
New
Initial legislative proposal published
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date
2017-10-24T00:00:00
docs
url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=12389%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC type: Legislative proposal published title: 12389/2017
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Legislative proposal published
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EC
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DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/migration-and-home-affairs_en title: Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner: AVRAMOPOULOS Dimitris
activities/3
date
2018-05-28T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: GÁL Kinga group: ECR name: STEVENS Helga group: ALDE name: MICHEL Louis group: GUE/NGL name: VERGIAT Marie-Christine group: Verts/ALE name: VALERO Bodil responsible: True committee: LIBE date: 2017-09-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs rapporteur: group: S&D name: PAVEL Emilian
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
LIBE/8/10557
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Preparatory phase in Parliament
New
Awaiting committee decision
committees/0/date
2017-09-25T00:00:00
committees/0/rapporteur
  • group: S&D name: PAVEL Emilian
committees/0/shadows
  • group: EPP name: GÁL Kinga
  • group: ECR name: STEVENS Helga
  • group: ALDE name: MICHEL Louis
  • group: GUE/NGL name: VERGIAT Marie-Christine
  • group: Verts/ALE name: VALERO Bodil
activities/1
date
2017-11-06T00:00:00
body
CSL
type
Council Meeting
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Agriculture and Fisheries
meeting_id
3571
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement amending the agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

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

    BACKGROUND: by Decision of 30 November 2009, the Council concluded the agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

    Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 amended the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA), Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 (Schengen Borders Code) and Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). In so doing, it has redefined the term of ‘short-stay’ for third-country nationals in the Schengen area.

    As from 18 October 2013, for third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short-stay, the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as '90 days in any 180-day period'.

    The agreement between the Union and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver should incorporate this new definition.

    With a view to implementing the new definition of short stay provided for in the amendment to the Schengen Borders Code, the Commission adopted on 16 July 2014 a recommendation for a Council Decision authorising negotiations to amend the Schengen the short-stay visa waiver between the European Union and seven countries: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Seychelles.

    The negotiations with the Bahamas were successfully finalised by the initialling of the amending agreement on 30 August 2016.

    CONTENT: this proposal is presented to the Council to authorise the conclusion of the Agreement amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver.

    The amendments introduced by the final agreement cover the following points:

    Duration of stay: the final agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of the Bahamas when travelling to the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period (instead of a maximum period of three months during a six months period following the date of first entry).

    A joint statement on the interpretation of the 90-day period over any 180-day period is attached to the amending agreement.

    Suspension of the agreement: the agreement provides that suspension of the waiver shall be lifted if the suspension is no longer required.

    All other provisions of the existing agreement between the European Community and the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver remain unaffected by the amending agreement, including the territorial scope.

    The provisions of the agreement shall not apply to the United Kingdom or to Ireland.

activities/0/commission/0
DG
Commissioner
AVRAMOPOULOS Dimitris
other/0
body
EC
dg
commissioner
AVRAMOPOULOS Dimitris
activities
  • date: 2017-07-28T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2017/0394/COM_COM(2017)0394_EN.pdf celexid: CELEX:52017PC0394:EN type: Legislative proposal published title: COM(2017)0394 body: EC type: Legislative proposal published commission:
committees
  • body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
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other
    procedure
    geographical_area
    Bahamas
    reference
    2017/0169(NLE)
    title
    EU/Bahamas Agreement: short-stay visa waiver
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    Preparatory phase in Parliament
    summary
    See also
    subtype
    Consent by Parliament
    type
    NLE - Non-legislative enactments
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