MEPs ask the Commission about allegations that Member States are issuing visas in return for bribes in the Schengen area. In a debate with the European Commission, MEPs discuss recent allegations that Polish overseas consulates are accepting bribes in return for issuing Schengen visas, and their impact on the EU’s common visa policy and the Schengen free-travel area. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

Schengen (T2)

SCHINAS, Margaritis (EPP-DE, EL, EC)

Commission statement - Corrupt large scale sale of Schengen visas: opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/72364536/1695991976174_I246175Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Thank you, President. The Schengen area is the largest area of borderless travel in the world. So far, it includes 27 European countries and benefits 425 million people. Together with our single market, the Euro and the Erasmus, Schengen is the jewel of our EU crown. Schengen has brought Europe liberty, prosperity, movement, mobility.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Last year it was the most visited destination in the whole world, with 585 million tourists visiting 65% of the world's total. The absence of border checks between our Member States is part of our way of lif, is part of our European identity. Holders of visas beat Schengen, short stay visas or national coordination or long stay visas, can move freely within this huge borderless travel area.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, 'The Schengen area relies on the effective and efficient application by the participating states of the Schengen acquis. But let me be clear, crystal clear, Schengen relies above all on trust to maintain mutual trust among participating states and a well-functioning area without internal border controls. It is crucial that each Schengen State shows a responsible attitude.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Transparency and accountability are equally important elements to maintain trust. Schengen States are the ones who decide which third country nationals are entitled to obtain the right to enter to our common space. And obviously what happens in the Schengen area, what happens in the Schengen state affects the functioning of all Schengen countries. That is why the alleged cases of fraud and corruption in the Polish visa system are extremely worrying.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, If third country nationals have been allowed the right of free movement within Schengen, without respecting the appropriate conditions and procedures, this would amount to a violation of EU law, in particular the EU Visa Code. The Commission is in close contact with the Polish authorities and expects them to investigate these allegations seriously and address any wrongdoing if and when established.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, To shed light on these allegations, we have asked for detailed answers to a series of 11 specific questions related to this matter in a letter addressed to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs on the 19th of September. We want to have clarity, for instance, on the numbers and types of visas and consular posts affected, as well as the whereabouts of the visa holders.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, We also want clarity on the structural measures that the Polish authorities are taking to ensure that the system is protected against any possible fraud and corrupt behaviour. The Polish government sent us some initial elements of a reply on 21st of September. The Commission replied to this letter five days later, asking still for detailed answers to the full set of questions asked.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, In its capacity as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission expects to receive all the information to be able to analyse it and assess the situation. And also evaluate in this framework the impact of the application of the EU law.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life, Let me conclude as I started. We need full clarity to reinstate trust, because clarity and trust go hand in hand. Thank you.