eu-com-schengen-coop

EUROPEAN UNION
DELEGATION TO THE PHILIPPINES
Administration
Manila, 09/09/2014
LOCAL SCHENGEN COOPERATION (LSC) in THE PHILIPPINES
2013-2014 REPORT 72
1. Introduction
A total of 11 Schengen members (Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France,
Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway and Austria) are represented in the Philippines. The
current representation arrangements for the non-resident MS are as follows:
AT - Lithuania
CZ – Slovakia
ES – Malta
GR - Portugal
NL – Poland and Latvia
NO – Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Estonia
The Netherlands moved the part of the Visa Section and decision making to Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, where they have their regional office. Some MS mentioned that this move could weaken
the security in the process of delivering visas, as no local checks could be carried out.
Some MS have outsourced the bookings for visa appointments.
2. LSC meetings held in 2013-2014
LSC meetings take place on a bi-monthly basis at the EU Delegation (EUD). In general they are
well attended, but sometimes attendance is poor; certain MS attend regularly whereas some hardly
participate. LSC meetings are organised and chaired by the EUD. Ad hoc meetings are as well
organised on specific subjects and with the participation of third parties or even non-Schengen
Member States.
The Minutes/Reports of the meetings are drawn up by EUD.
Coordination with LSC in locations outside the capital is ensured. This is, however, limited to
certain LSC in the region who also tried to coordinate with LSC Philippines concerning visa
72 April 2013 – March 2014
12893/14 PR/lm 137
DG D 1 A
EN