Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil yesterday criticised the pace of negotiations between the European Commission and the US on the removal of visa for travellers to the US in the case of the new EU member states and insisted that the matter had to be resolved without any further delay.
Speaking during the plenary session of the European Parliament, Dr Busuttil said he favours a twin-track approach in the final negotiations.
"This ping-pong game between the Commission and the EU member states on who should be responsible for these negotiations should stop immediately. The most important thing is that the visa is removed. Who is responsible for removing it is not that important," he told fellow MEPs.
Dr Busuttil was referring to the latest tug-of-war between Brussels and the new member states over who should be responsible for conducting negotiations with the EU.
The Commission argues that member states cannot negotiate on their own as certain aspects of the deal to be reached with the US are exclusively the competence of the EU executive. Dr Busuttil said that, despite the accession of the new member states four years ago, talks held solely by the Commission did not yield any positive result.
"The twin-track approach will get everyone together, Commission and member states, to make sure that the negotiations are concluded as soon as possible. This is what matters most to our citizens," he said.
The European Parliament debated last week's Council decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with the US on conditions for the participation in the visa waiver programme that come under community law.
Speaking on behalf of the presidency, Slovenian Home Affairs Minister Dragutin Mate said that a two-track system has been agreed, and, on the basis of a mandate just granted by the Council, the Commission will negotiate with the US on certain issues of exclusive Community competence while member states will be able to negotiate bilaterally with the US on other matters. The electronic approval via internet of visa applications will be possible and the US will only require the same personal data as now. Once an application is authorised it will be valid for two years.
Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot, who is soon to be appointed Justice Commission replacing Franco Frattini, also spoke of the two-track system, adding that key issues in negotiations with the US would be the principles of reciprocity and respect for fundamental rights, including data privacy.
Mr Barrot augured rapid progress in the talks and said the ultimate aim was visa-free travel with fair treatment for all EU citizens.