Tusk Calls on 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 the visa liberalization process of Georgia and Ukraine.

“What is really at stake is much more than the balance of power in the EU political system, it is the legitimate hopes and aspirations of the neighboring nations, as well as the reputation of the European Union,” Tusk’s letter 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 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 said.

“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.

The Suspension Mechanism, agreed Wednesday, 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.

Thea Morrison