Visa for US, Canadian travellers to EU up for debate as trade talks enter crucial point

The possibility has been raised because of refusals by the US and Canada to waive visa requirements for citizens of some Schengen countries.

The European Commission will debate the issue at a meeting next Tuesday, prompted by refusals from the United States and Canada to waive their visa requirements for holders of some EU member states’ passports. That is about a week before US president Barack Obama arrives in Europe on a visit that will include discussions on trade.

“A political debate and decision is obviously needed on such an important issue. But there is a real risk that the EU would move towards visas for the two,” an EU source said.

Washington and Ottawa both demand visas before travelling for Romanians and Bulgarians, whose countries joined the EU in 2007. The United States also excludes Croatians, Cypriots and Poles from a visa waiver scheme offered to other EU citizens.

Europe’s Schengen area, comprising 26 countries most of which are in the 28-member EU, has a common visa system. Poland is a member of Schengen, and the other four countries are due to join.

Trade negotiations between Brussels and Washington are at a crucial point since both sides believe their transatlantic agreement, known as TTIP, stands a better chance of passing before Mr Obama leaves the White House in January.

Mr Obama is due to visit Britain before meeting German chancellor Angela Merkel at a trade fair in Hanover on April 24.

* Reuters