Key Takeaways: The European Commission is considering extended short-stay visas for specific non-EU professionals, moving beyond the strict 90/180-day rule. This is part of a broader strategy to attract global talent and boost EU competitiveness. The plan also aims to simplify visa procedures for skilled workers while tightening security and phasing out inconsistent national agreements.
A Pragmatic Shift for Key Professionals
The European Commission has announced it will explore pragmatic solutions to allow certain third-country professionals to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the current 90 days within any 180-day period. This potential reform is part of a newly presented EU visa policy strategy aimed at modernizing the bloc's approach to mobility.
The current rule is seen as too restrictive for professionals whose work depends on frequent, extended cross-border travel within the EU. The Commission's communication explicitly mentions several categories that may benefit:
- Touring artists and athletes.
- Experts on cross-border projects.
- Workforce supporting EU industries and services.
- Truck drivers servicing EU businesses.
The goal is to provide legal clarity for travelers and generate economic and security benefits for the Union, without requiring a full long-stay residence permit.
Phasing Out Inconsistent National Rules
A significant hurdle to a uniform Schengen system has been the existence of pre-Schengen bilateral agreements. Some EU member states have individual deals with specific non-EU countries, allowing stays beyond 90 days—but only within that single country's territory.
The Commission states this undermines the uniform application of Schengen rules and creates a patchwork system. As part of the new strategy, it will review the impact of these bilateral arrangements with a view to gradually phasing them out.
It's important to note that the current reflection does not include plans to extend the 90-day rule for other groups, such as second-home owners from countries like the UK. This will disappoint campaigners in nations like France and Spain who have long called for such a change.
Streamlining Access for Global Talent
Alongside the review of short-stay rules, the Commission is pushing to make the EU more attractive to skilled professionals. It has issued a Recommendation to Member States to simplify and accelerate procedures for long-stay visas and residence permits for highly qualified individuals.
The recommended improvements include:
- More digitized application processes.
- Fewer required documents.
- Shorter processing times.
- Easier transitions from study or research visas to work permits.
- Better information for both prospective employees and employers.
The Commission will also explore possible amendments to EU rules for students, researchers, and highly qualified workers, and may develop a targeted legal framework for start-up founders and innovative entrepreneurs.
"Visa policy is a strategic tool for Europe’s security and Europe’s competitiveness," said Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen. "This is how Europe stays competitive globally, creates quality jobs and builds a strong, fair and prosperous society."
Security Remains a Core Priority
The visa strategy was presented alongside a new asylum and migration package, underscoring that security is a fundamental pillar. The Commission plans to use visa policy to strengthen the EU's security framework and advance its strategic interests.
A key element is a planned review of the system for granting visa-free status to third countries. The EU will consider criteria such as:
- Visa refusal rates.
- Rates of unfounded asylum applications.
- Cooperation on returns and readmission of irregular migrants.
- Security cooperation.
"Where obligations are not met, visa-free travel could be suspended," the Commission warned. Currently, nationals of over 64 countries and territories enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen area.
This security-focused approach has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Olivia Sundberg Diez, a policy analyst at Amnesty International, argued it "only heightens its dependence on third countries to manage migration, while making it complicit in any rights violations that may result."
The proposed overhaul represents a delicate balancing act: facilitating needed economic mobility for specific groups while asserting stricter controls over the broader visa and visa-waiver system to safeguard the bloc's borders.