Member states use Brexit referendum to delay visa waivers

The European Commission has proposed lifting the visa requirement for the citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, Kosovo and Turkey. However the question is a politically sensitive issue with citizens' concerns concerning immigration in many EU countries. In the spring of 2016 the decision to grant visa liberalsation to these countries was now in the hands of the EU member states and the European Parliament.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Merkel warns Erdogan his authoritarian drift endangers visa deal. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: No Turkey visa waiver, no refugee deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-warns-erdogan-his-authoritarian-drift-endangers-visa-deal-recep-tayyip-erdogan-no-turkey-visa-waiver-no-refugee-deal/

ESO: Background information: Visa waiver suspension mechanism: Council ready to start negotiations with Parliament http://www.europeansources.info/record/adoption-of-the-councils-negotiating-position-as-regards-the-visa-suspension-mechanism-proposal/

ESO: Background information: Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council. Fourth report on progress by Kosovo in fulfilling the requirements of the visa liberalisation roadmap http://www.europeansources.info/record/report-from-the-commission-to-the-european-parliament-and-the-council-fourth-report-on-progress-by-kosovo-in-fulfilling-the-requirements-of-the-visa-liberalisation-roadmap/

ESO: Background information: European Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-european-commission-proposes-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-of-ukraine/

ESO: Background information: European Commission proposes to lift visa obligations for citizens of Georgia http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-european-commission-proposes-to-lift-visa-obligations-for-citizens-of-georgia/

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 10.06.16: Germany Undercuts Georgia’s European Optimism http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/?fa=63783

EUObserver, 09.06.16: Five EU states push for Georgia visa waiver https://euobserver.com/foreign/133768

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