Overview
- The visa strategy conditions issuance on third countries’ cooperation with returns and allows suspending or restricting visas for states deemed to conduct hostile actions against EU security.
- Stricter oversight of visa‑waiver regimes is planned, affecting travelers from countries including Argentina, Brazil, the United States and Japan to prevent misuse of visa‑free entry.
- The five‑year agenda centers on reducing irregular migration and disrupting smuggling networks through what the Commission calls firm migration diplomacy using trade, development and visa tools.
- Talent measures include faster, digitized procedures, simplified recognition of qualifications and the use of artificial intelligence, alongside tougher action against illegal employment and exploitation.
- The Commission noted that national regularizations, such as Spain’s plan to formalize 500,000 residents, remain a member‑state competence, and the new proposals still require approval by the Council and the European Parliament.