eu-com-schengen-coop

3.1 Application of the Visa Code
In April 2013, the LSC had a discussion about the challenges faced under the Visa Code. Several
Schengen members mentioned that a main problem in the current Visa Code was how it was
interpreted differently by Schengen members, also in discussions in Brussels, and therefore
implemented differently by Schengen members. An issue that was highlighted was different
interpretations among MS on when to exempt people from fingerprinting due to unclear definition
of scope in the Visa Code and hence different instructions from capitals.
It was also mentioned that in the revision of the Visa Code it could be considered to harmonize
procedures concerning diplomatic passports instead of the current situation, where MS sat up
bilateral agreements.
3.2 Assessment of the need to harmonise the lists of supporting documents
The Commission Implementing Decision on the list of supporting documents in Jordan entered into
force on 26 March 2013. The list is applicable to all Schengen Member States.
In September 2013, six months after the adoption of the Implementing Decision, EUD asked for the
experiences of the LSC. There was general agreement in the LSC that the adoption of the list had
not had any significant impact on the visa cooperation. LSC was experiencing the same degree of
incomplete applications as before the adoption of the list. LSC highlighted that a typical document
lacking along applications were updated bank statements (updated), but also basic documentation
such as reservations for plane tickets or accommodation. It is noted that the LSC especially faces
challenges with supporting (falsified) documents from the cities of Irbid and Zarqa. To try to
address the issue of falsified documents, some MS request applicants to provide the original
documents along applications instead of copies.
3.3 Exchange of information
Statistics
The data for LSC visa statistics across all categories showed that the LSC experienced a 9 percent
increase in the number of applications received in 2013 compared to the previous year (from a total
of 42698 in 2012 to 46487 in 2013). However, while some Schengen members processed similar
levels of visa applications, others experienced a significant increase (Sweden 39 percent, Belgium
23 percent, Germany 21 percent, Greece 20 percent, and Norway 16 percent). Hungary experienced
an 85 percent increase from 2012-2013, but this increase was due to a 2012 bankruptcy in the
national airline carrier which impacted the possibility of mobility to Hungary in that year.
In terms of Schengen C visas, Germany received the highest level of applications (8780), followed
by France (6354) and Spain (5164). A total of 41379 Schengen C visa applications were received
with 35081 visas issued and 4727 applications refused (an average approval rate of 85 percent and
average refusal rate of 11 percent - down from 11.6 percent in 2012). Sweden (48 percent) and
Norway (35 percent) accounted for the highest levels of refusals. Among all Schengen Members
three similar reasons for refusing the issuance of visas persisted: Lack of proof of financial means,
uncertain return, falsified and/or lack of required supporting documents. However, the number of
Schengen C visas being issued continued to be on an increase (2011: 32510, 2012: 34966, 2013:
35081).
Visas issued for Iraqi nationals made up 4614 (or 11.6 percent) of the total amount of visas issued,
whereas visas for Syrian nationals made up 1920 (or 5 percent). Issuing visas for Syrian nationals
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