Donald Tusk Calls on Martin Schulz to Timely Grant Visa-Liberalization to Georgia and Ukraine

Donald Tusk, Chairperson of the European Council has sent a letter to European Parliament President Martin Schulz asking to timely complete visa liberalization process of Georgia and Ukraine with EU. 

Tusk notes that European Union (EU) Member States and the European Parliament are currently engaged in a dispute over the so-called suspension mechanism, however, he says that the decision should be made soon, without wasting much time.

“Currently the EU Member States and the European Parliament are considering the so-called suspension mechanism. But what is really at stake is much more than the balance of power in the EU political system. The legitimate hopes and aspirations of the neighboring nations, as well as the reputation of the European Union, are at stake,“ the letter of Tusk reads.

He added the EU had put tough demands on its partners, which they had met at the price of painful reform efforts, and often at huge political risk.

“They took up this challenge in the firm belief that the EU would abide by its undertakings and deliver on its promises. So let me repeat that what we risk losing here are not only social, political and economic interests, not only the future of our relations with all our neighbors, but also - and especially - our own credibility,” Tusk said.

The European Council President emphasized the positive role of the European Parliament in the negotiating process and noted that it would be a pity if the hard work did not bring the desired outcome.

"I can understand why you attach such an importance to the role of the European Parliament in the development of the suspension mechanism. I also understand the willingness of the EU countries to decide themselves who should cross their borders. Even though all the parties have their own arguments and undoubtedly good will, it seems that we are wasting our efforts,” the Official says.

Tusk is sure that the suspension mechanism needs to be steady and effective. Consequently, he believes that the realistic, not a perfect solution is to be made over the issue.

“It would be an unforgivable mistake if we did not make all efforts to complete this project. We simply cannot allow those who have put their trust in us in the end to become the victims of our internal dispute. I believe that we will find a rapid agreement on the suspension mechanism. Time is not on our side, but we still are able to win this race,” says Tusk in the letter to Martin Schulz.

Suspension mechanism is a tool that allows each EU member state to request the European Commission to temporarily suspend the visa waiver for nationals of a certain country in specific circumstances including a substantial and sudden increase in the number of irregular migrants, unfounded asylum requests or rejected readmission applications.

By Thea Morrison