Chairman Zeytinoğlu: “The New System That Allows Registration into EU Prior to Visa Free Travel will be Operational in 2021”.

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu interpreted some of the decisions that were taken at the last session of the EP with regards to Turkey and the visa liberalisation process. Stating that the developments in this field should be followed up, Zeytinoğlu reminded that Turkey’s aim continues to be obtaining the right to visa-free travel while entering into the Schengen Area. Zeytinoğlu continued as follows:

“First of all, the subject which will be put into vote today by the EP concerns the Turkish citizens as well. A new system that is scheduled to come into force in 2021 is on the way. The new system called “European Travel Information and Authorisation System” (ETIAS) will require all passengers that will be traveling to the EU visa-free to get registered via internet. Accordingly, green and grey passport holders who can enter Schengen countries visa-free also have to notify beforehand within this system. While registering to this system, along with giving information on birth date and gender, questions such as whether one has criminal record or has been previously present in a war zone are also required to answer. In exchange of a 7 euro fee, it is planned that the registrations made for the system will be valid for 3 years and people under 18 years and over 70 years will be exempted. This system will not only be valid for Turkish citizens but also for all citizens who can enter the EU the visa-free right now. In case there are suspicions on security over the enrolee, the application may be rejected.  However, there is a right to appeal to this judgment. Following the approval of the EP and the EU Council, the legal process will proceed.

Chairman Zeytinoğlu: “Prospect of agreement with EUROPOL, which is one of the criteria for visa liberalisation, was opened. However, Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus condition is creating obstacle.”

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu continued his words as follows:

“One of the criteria to be fulfilled for Turkey’s visa liberalisation was to sign an operational agreement with EUROPOL. The EP gave its approval for the negotiation of this agreement. The agreement will be made between Turkey and the EU and it will allow the exchange of personal data to combat large scale crime and terrorism.

One of the most important issues here is the EP’s insistence on data exchange with Southern Cyprus. Another important criterion on visa liberalisation was cooperation in criminal matters between Turkey and the EU Member States. Southern Cyprus as an EU Member State representing the whole island is a problem from the point of Turkey. In its report, the EP lays emphasis on observing fundamental rights and giving extra attention to data security conditions while exchanging data with Turkey and demands a detailed impact analysis on this regard from the Commission.

While acknowledging the importance of these issues, requesting data sharing from Turkey for the EU’s security while subjecting Turkey to strict rules of data sharing for its own security creates double standards in practice.”