Brussels, 10/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 September, several MEPs stressed that the European Commission should take action against the US$14 state fee imposed on European travellers entering the United States. Simon Busuttil of Malta and Ernst Strasser of Austria said the tax was “unjustifiable and a burden on transatlantic relations”, adding that “transatlantic cooperation can only work if both partners are on the same level”. They therefore urge Internal Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström to intervene against this measure which, they believe, is “harassment” of EU citizens. Ernst Strasser, his German colleagues Manfred Weber and Monika Hohlmeier, as well as Wim van de Camp of the Netherlands, addressed a written question to the Commission on 19 July. They regret that they have still not received a response. “Nothing has happened yet on an EU level”, they said, awaiting a “clear statement from the commissioner”. Since Wednesday 8 September, flights over the Atlantic cost $14 (i.e. €11) more - $10 for a fund intended to promote tourism in the United States and $4 to finance the cost of the Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Payment may be made by credit card during ESTA validation. Citizens from the 36 countries enjoying visa dispensation, including 24 EU countries, must now pay the tax, this applying to trips lasting 90 days at most. A visa is still required for longer stays. Commissioner Malmström told the United States early August that she was greatly displeased about the $14 tax (see EUROPE 10198). Commission services, which are still awaiting publication of new definitive rules, are to analyse the new situation and say - probably in a few months' time - whether ESTA may be considered as a visa, which could give rise to the introduction of retaliatory measures against the United States. The report on visa reciprocity between the EU and third countries is expected for the end of September or early October this year. (B.C./transl.jl)