EU could cancel visa-free travel for Israelis
Israel could face a suspension of its visa-free access to the EU's Schengen area under new rules approved by European lawmakers, Euronews reported on Wednesday. This comes shortly after the Jewish state launched a bombing campaign against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks.
The new rules amend the visa suspension mechanisms to include violations of the UN Charter, human rights, breaches of international humanitarian law, and defiance of international court rulings. Israel is among the countries most at risk following allegations of war crimes in Gaza raised by the UN, Euronews wrote, citing sources in the European Parliament.
'This tool helps us deliver the values that have built our community,' Slovenian MEP Matjaz Nemec, the bill's rapporteur, told the news outlet. He insisted that 'no specific country is being targeted,' although European Parliament sources said Israel was a focus for several political groups pushing for the reform.
Currently, citizens from 61 countries – including Israel, the UK, Japan, and Australia – may enter the Schengen area for up to 90 days without a visa. So far, the EU has suspended visa-free access only once, in the case of the Republic of Vanuatu for its alleged citizenship-by-investment scheme.
Under the new rules, the European Commission can impose a one-year suspension through an implementing act, which only needs the approval of member states and can be blocked by a qualified majority. Extensions require a delegated act, which can be blocked by either the European Council or Parliament. The process can be initiated by the Commission or prompted by an EU member state.
The deal still awaits formal approval by the full European Parliament and Council before becoming EU law.
The reform follows widespread international condemnation of Israel's conduct in Gaza and its recent military operation against Iran. Russia has denounced Israel's actions against Iran as 'illegal' and warned they could trigger a 'nuclear catastrophe.'
Israel began bombing Iran on Friday, claiming Tehran was close to building a nuclear weapon. Iran denied the accusations and responded with drone and missile strikes.
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