Timmermans also said the commission had proposed to amend the overall regulation affecting such visa-free schemes to include a new “snap-back mechanism” that would give governments the right to quickly suspend such entitlements if there were problems. Ahead of the Commission’s recommendation on Wednesday, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, the head of the Social Democrats, tweeted that Ankara would have to meet all necessary requirements before a dropping of visas could be considered.
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“Clearly, the European Commission has been fudging Turkey’s compliance with the majority of the 72 criteria for visa-free travel in order to facilitate implementation of the EU-Turkey deal on migrants”, said Hakura, of the London-based Chatham House think tank.
However, the measure will only be implemented once the European Union accepts visa liberalization for Turkish nationals.
Ireland and Britain, which are the only European Union member states not in the Schengen area, will not be affected by the proposed deal.
European Union rules say countries can reintroduce border controls for up to two years, in periods of up to six months at a time, in exceptional circumstances.
Other conditions for entering the Schengen zone will remain in force, including the need to be able to prove sufficient financial means and the goal of travel.
Speaking after the commission’s decision, European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans said there needed to be work done by Turkey by the end of June. I believe this deal will benefit Turkish-Greek business relations and create new opportunities for both countries.
“The Turkish authorities have made remarkable progress since the 18 March EU-Turkey Summit, and we trust Turkey is committed to delivering on all fronts as soon as possible”, said Dimitris Avramopoulos, Europe’s commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship.
In a bid to ease the divisions, EU President Donald Tusk is now touring the Balkan states and Turkey, the main departure point for refugees.
The EU will furthermore allow countries to extend border controls in the Schengen area as a result of the migrant crisis and recent terror attacks. Though visa requirement will be lifted for all Greeks in Cyprus, a Turkish official stressed to Reuters that Ankara doesn’t recognize Cyprus. However, the suspension would be valid only if Turkey completes all the remaining conditions, the commission said.
The prospect of visa-free travel was welcomed by Turks already in Europe. The deal went into effect on March 21.
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Approval of visa-free travel is a key component of the deal negotiated with Turkey by which it commits to take back migrants crossing from Turkish territory to the Greek islands.
