European Parliament approves simplified mechanism to suspend visa-free travel

The European Parliament has backed a simplified procedure for suspending visa-free travel for nationals of third countries. The new rules aim to streamline the process for temporarily halting visa liberalization in cases where conditions are not met.

The measure received support from 518 MEPs, while 96 voted against and 24 abstained.

Ahead of the vote, on October 6, the Parliament held debates on the proposed changes. The simplified suspension mechanism is expected to come into force in early December.