Commission recommends negotiations for an agreement with the United States of America on certain conditions for access to the US Visa Waiver Program

Today the Commission recommended to the Council to open negotiations on an agreement between the European Community and the United States of America regarding certain conditions for access to the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

When adopting the Commission's proposal Vice-President Franco Frattini, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, said: "It is our objective to ensure that all EU citizens can travel visa-free to the U.S. We should make sure that Europe shows political and legal solidarity. The recommendation provides for this. It caters for proper EC negotiations with the U.S. on matters arising from our common visa policy." He added “I trust this recommendation becomes a further stepping stone in the joint EU-US efforts to find the smartest ways to promote international travel, mobility and exchanges whilst simultaneously providing security for their citizens.”

In August 2007 the U.S. adopted new legislation which provides for the modernization of the Visa Waiver Program. The terms and conditions of this new legislation concern all EU Member States whether they are already participating in the VWP or aspire to join it. The U.S. has started implementing this VWP reform legislation and has proposed a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to EU Member States individually covering the security provisions of this new legislation. The US also intends to supplement the MoU with implementing arrangements. Several measures for the implementation of the VWP reform fall under the responsibility of the European Community. It therefore became necessary that the Commission took steps to bring about uniform conditions for admission to the US VWP for the citizens of all EU Member States and thereby safeguard Community prerogatives.

Today the Commission adopted a recommendation to the Council to authorise the Commission, on behalf of the European Community, to open negotiations with the U.S. on those conditions for participation in the US VWP that fall under the responsibility of the European Community. The Recommendation is not applicable to Ireland and the United Kingdom as they do not take part in the common visa policy.

The recommendation is sent to Council for discussion and once adopted, the Commission will open negotiations with the U.S. as the earliest possible date.

To find out more about Vice President Frattini's work please see his website http://www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/index_en.htm