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.