The European Commission is going to allow visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe’s passport-free Schengen zone, according to reports. As part of the deal offered Turkey for taking back migrants who crossed into Greece, Turkey is to get a free visa-ride if the country meets EU criteria.
Schengen zone
Travel in Europe: Don’t Be Caught Dead Migrating
Two news bits today concerning Germany’s disposition toward migrants and visitors draw further attention to key Schengen and visa discussion. A report via EurActiv speaks to one side of the German and EU PR aspect, the Roma people being the subject on the one hand. At the other end of Germany’s public relations woes, news that second generation Turks in Germany are headed home suggest the German state is in an exclusivity mood toward some.
European Commission Turns Cold Shoulder to More Exlusionism
Last week the European Commission turned a cold shoulder to ideas of permanently banning certain EU nationals entry, and the subsequent negative impact certain rules might have on overall tourism. A Commission spokesman reportedly accused ministers of misrepresenting figures showing immigration problems.
Working Together with Turkey, Key to Greece Tourism Ministry
The newly appointed tourism minister of Greece believes focusing on the country’s cooperation with Turkey in the solution to the tourism industry’s financial troubles, thus making it the main priority of her cabinet. The ministry will focus on increasing mutual visits and collaborating on large scale tourism development and promotion projects.
Croatia to Join Schengen Zone in 2015
Croatia has announced plans to enter Europe’s Schengen free-travel zone within the next three years, just two years after it secures membership to the EU, which is due to happen in during the summer of 2013.
Romania Reacts to Schengen Veto with Dismay
Romanian President Traian Basescu has hit out at the Netherlands for vetoing his country’s bid to join the Schengen Zone, accusing them of committing “abuse” amidst rumors that Dutch opposition could be linked to Romania’s earlier block on Serbian accession to the EU.
Austria Agrees to Ease Visa Restrictions for Russian Travelers
Austrian visas are set to become much easier for Russian citizens to obtain after the country’s president agreed to ease current restrictions, saying Vienna should be as liberal as possible when concerning the Schengen Agreement. “If the system works fine for Italy, France and Spain then I do not see why Austria shouldn’t adopt the […]
Visa-free Travel for Albania and Bosnia
EU interior ministers are expected to lift visa requirements for Albanian and Bosnian citizens today, with a decision that will allow biometric passport-holders from the two countries to stay up to three months in any European state which is part of the Schengen zone. Britain and Ireland are not included, but non EU-states Switzerland, Iceland […]