Brussels, 31/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 30 May, the European Parliament's civil liberties committee endorsed a European Commission proposal to introduce a standard European travel document to speed up the process of returning non-EU nationals who stay "irregularly" in EU member states without valid passports or identity cards (see EUROPE 11454).
MEPS point out that many EU countries are currently facing serious difficulties in returning these residents to their home countries in a safe and lawful way, explains a European Parliament press release.
The text, drafted by Jussi Halla-aho (ECR, FI) points out that destination countries' acceptance of the substitute documents used by member states today is low, for reasons that include inadequate security details and varying formats. The lack of valid travel documents issued by some third countries is also a major obstacle to a successful return process, say MEPs.
“While the common European travel document for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals is no magic solution, it is one small piece in the puzzle and one step in the right direction” said Halla-aho.
The proposal would produce a common format for the European travel document. Its new technical details would also include personal information such as name, age, gender and distinguishing marks as well as a passport photograph, in order to combat counterfeiting and falsification. The MEPs say that by using the same security features laid down in 2002 for visas issued by EU countries to residents without valid travel documents, the document's recognition should be enhanced and the administrative burdens reduced for both EU and destination countries' authorities, according to the proposal.
MEPs call on the EU and member states to promote the use of this harmonised document in the context of readmission agreements reached with third countries.
The Council still has to decide on its negotiating position before interinstitutional talks with the EP can be launched. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)