Brussels, 02/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 2 December, the European Union and Colombia signed an agreement that allows Colombians to make short stays in the European Union (Ireland and the United Kingdom excepted) without requiring a visa (see EUROPE 11437).
“As from (Thursday) Colombian citizens will be able to travel to the European Union without a visa”, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini at the signing of the agreement. She said a similar agreement would be concluded with Peru in the very near future. Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said that the new rules would apply to Colombians wishing to travel to the EU for tourism, business, short-term courses and medical treatment. Colombian journalists and sports people will also be able to benefit from the new rules.
The new visa regime, which will apply from Thursday 3 December, will mean that Colombians will be able to travel in the EU without any visa requirement for up to 90 days out of a maximum period of 180 days. The visa waiver will not apply to Ireland or the United Kingdom. The visa regime in these two countries will remain subject to national legislation.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos described the signing of the agreement as an “event of great importance” for his country, one which, in a sense, gives it back a certain “dignity”. In the press conference, he spoke of the creation of the “Colombia Paz” fund. This fund will oversee the various other funds, including that of the EU, that will help firmly root peace in Colombia after a hoped-for final agreement is signed in the spring of 2016 (see EUROPE 11396). Spain made the first contribution to the European fund, to open the account. The total contribution from member states is not known at this stage. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)