Member States' compliance with the Visa Code

21.5.2013

Question for written answer E-005696-13
to the Council
Rule 117
Cornelia Ernst (GUE/NGL)

1. As far as the Council is aware, to what extent do the Member States comply with the Visa Handbook (see also the Commission’s Decision of 19 March 2010 establishing the visa handbook) as a binding or non-binding requirement and what is the Council’s position on this?

2. How does the Council assess Schengen cooperation when it comes to the vetting and issuing of visas at local level? For example, to what extent are there common application centres, joint lists of documents to be submitted, approved insurance policies etc.?

3. What problems have been encountered in connection with different visa practices as a result of the different interpretation and application of the requirements of the Visa Code by the individual Member States?

4. Does the Council believe that any legislative changes are needed in relation to the Visa Code?

5. Does the Council regard it as compatible with the Visa Code or the Visa Handbook if national courts reject a visa application in a legal dispute on the grounds that the applicant did not have valid travel medical insurance at the time of the judicial decision, even though this requirement could easily have been met following an otherwise positive court ruling?

6. What information does the Council have concerning the application of the Handbook for the organisation of visa sections and local Schengen cooperation (Decision of 11 June 2010)?

OJ C 41 E, 12/02/2014