Brussels, 25/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 June, the EU Council gave its go-ahead to simplification of the current procedures and conditions for issuing short-stay visas for entry into the Schengen Area. Environment ministers adopted the compromise text negotiated with the European Parliament on the Community Visa Code without discussion (EUROPE 9875). “This is a major step to further develop a common visa policy and to reinforce cooperation in the Schengen Area”, an EU Council press release states, adding: “Third-country nationals will benefit from a more consistent and transparent application procedure”. The Visa Code aims to bundle into a single text all legal instruments governing visa conditions for the issuance of short-stay visas. The Parliament and Council regulation establishing this code includes several provisions: - harmonisation of reasons for refusal, cancellation or extension of visas; lists of documents to be submitted by applicants and procedures for their verification; and visa issuance conditions for “multiple entry” visas. Any decision relating to the issuing of a visa, or refusal to issue, should be taken within two weeks. The new Visa Code also takes into account the obligation of biometric identification to be included with every visa application. The cost of issuing a visa is fixed at €60. Children from 6 to 12 years of age will benefit from a lower tariff (€35) and may be totally exempt from any payment at all if the consular authorities so decide. Some categories of applicants will not have to pay the cost of a visa: - children under 6, school children and students or persons representing non-profit making organisations aged under 25 and taking part in sports, cultural or educational events (which must also be non-profit-making). Ireland and the United Kingdom are not adopting this legislation and Denmark is expected to decide whether or not it will participate within the next six months. (B.C./transl.jl)