Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

The European Commission in Brussels adopted its eighth report under the Visa Suspension Mechanism, which monitors visa-free regimes in the European Union. While most partner countries have taken steps to address the recommendations of previous Visa Suspension Mechanism reports, significant challenges remain. According to a statement issued by Commission Headquarters, visa liberalization is an important part of the EU's tools for cooperation with other countries on migration, security, and justice. Visa-free travel facilitates people-to-people movement and communication, boosts the travel and tourism sectors, and encourages cultural and academic exchanges. It can also strengthen diplomatic relations and international cooperation. However, its misuse can lead to significant challenges in the areas of migration and security, which require urgent attention.

The report covers developments related to the harmonization of visa policies, migration (including border management and readmission), security, and citizenship in the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, Eastern Caribbean countries implementing investor citizenship programs, and Latin American countries. It includes specific recommendations for each country. Key Findings
Visa Policy Harmonization: Full harmonization of visa policies between the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership (EPP) countries with the EU remains essential, given their proximity to the Schengen Area and the risks arising from differing visa lists and procedures. While many Western Balkan partners have taken steps towards harmonizing their visa regimes, progress has stalled or regressed in others. No tangible progress has been observed among the EPP countries. Georgia’s visa policy, in particular, differs significantly from that of the EU, and Georgia regressed further in 2024–25, despite repeated recommendations.

Migration, Border Management, and Readmission: Irregular migration along the Western Balkans route has declined markedly since 2023. However, the increasing use of violence by smuggling networks and the continued pressure on the Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia border are cause for concern. Overall, partners have strengthened their cooperation with Frontex and the EU Asylum Service, but further progress is still needed in the area of ​​readmission. The report urges all partner countries to address outstanding issues without delay.

Unfounded asylum claims from nationals of visa-exempt countries remain a concern, representing approximately 18% of all claims since 2015. Claims from Kosovo and Ukraine increased in 2024, while those from Albania, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia, although lower than in 2023, remain significant. The large number of claims from visa-exempt Latin American countries also poses considerable challenges to asylum systems in EU Member States. Visa-exempt partners should continue to implement specific measures to prevent abuse of the system, including public awareness campaigns, departure checks, and support for Frontex.

Public Order and Security: Cooperation with Europol and Eurojust remains strong among all partners assessed. Western Balkan partners have achieved tangible operational results in combating organized crime, cyberattacks, and migrant smuggling, and Ukraine has maintained close cooperation despite the ongoing war of aggression. Emerging risks include new methods of smuggling firearms through Moldova and security concerns in Georgia related to Russian influence. While most partners are upholding their anti-corruption commitments, Georgia has backtracked on previous reforms. Many countries still face document security vulnerabilities, including forged or fraudulently obtained passports and identity changes used to evade EU security checks. These issues must be addressed to ensure the safety of visa-free travel.

Citizenship by Investment: Citizenship by investor programs run by visa-exempt countries pose security risks, as they may allow citizens of other countries who would normally require a visa to bypass standard checks and gain access to the Schengen Area by purchasing citizenship. Programs in five Eastern Caribbean countries continue to raise concerns due to the high volume of applications, short processing times, and low rejection rates, despite some steps taken to strengthen due diligence and information sharing. Georgia’s non-compliance with other key criteria: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed concern about serious violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in Georgia, including violations of the principle of non-discrimination, and has repeatedly called on the Georgian authorities to take immediate action to address these issues and implement the OHCHR’s recommendations. Despite this, Georgia has violated several commitments it made during the Visa Liberalization Dialogue and has failed to implement the recommendations of the seventh report of the Visa Suspension Mechanism. Given the systematic and deliberate nature of this backsliding, the OHCHR will consider taking appropriate measures under the revised Visa Suspension Mechanism, which will enter into force on 30 December 2025.

Under the new rules, in the first phase, the visa suspension may target holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports issued by the Georgian authorities who bear primary responsibility for the failure to implement the OHCHR’s recommendations. 

Unlike the current rules, the new rules ensure a uniform application of the suspension across all Member States. Bilateral visa exemptions will no longer be possible for holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports. Once visa requirements are reinstated for these categories at the EU level in the second phase, the suspension could extend to the entire population if the Georgian authorities fail to address the issues. Ultimately, Georgia could lose its visa-free status entirely and be placed on the EU's list of visa-exempt third countries.

Next steps: The Commission will continue to monitor partner countries' compliance with the requirements and recommendations for visa liberalization and will continue to report to the European Parliament and the Council annually.

The EU currently operates a visa waiver scheme with 64 non-EU countries and territories. Under this scheme, citizens of non-EU countries can enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. In June 2025, the Council and Parliament agreed on a more robust and flexible Visa Suspension Mechanism (VSM), based on a proposal from the European Commission. This will enable the EU to better address the challenges associated with visa liberalization schemes by establishing new grounds for suspending these schemes, lowering the thresholds for triggering the mechanism, and implementing faster and more flexible procedures. The revised VSM will enter into force on 30 December 2025.

Since 2017, the Commission has published annual reports under the VSM to monitor the extent to which visa liberalization requirements are being met by visa-exempt partners in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership. With the proposal of the revised VSM, the Commission has also imposed stronger monitoring and reporting obligations. Since 2023, the Commission has been reporting on a wider range of countries, including any visa-exempt country where challenges are identified. This year’s report covers 2024 and key developments in 2025.