eu-com-schengen-coop

common model. Therefore the Group agreed that it would be wiser to wait until this model has been
completed to adapt it, as necessary, to the circumstances in the US.
3.5. Exchange of information
Statistics.- The collection and discussion of monthly visa statistics every six months for the jurisdiction of
Washington-based consulates (except Estonia – cf. section 1) is running smoothly as required by the Visa
Code. EUDEL is in charge of collecting the statistics in a single document which is shared with MS.
Several MS have again raised the point of the different scope of the statistics as the territory covered by the
different Consulates varies. They were reminded that the original purpose of this exercise was to collect
statistics for the whole US territory, although it was subsequently decided to limit it to Washington
Consulates. While the present statistics serve their purpose (to signal change in trends and prevent “visa
shopping”) as the parameters to be compared have remained the same, the Group agreed to raise with
Headquarters the point of the relative utility of collecting statistics in a country like the USA, where there
were no serious problems of visa issuing or "visa shopping".
Travel medical insurance.- LSC has always considered that there was no need to compile a ¨black list" of
problematic or unreliable insurance companies. LSC encouraged consulates to exchange information on
their experiences with insurance companies. However, it was agreed that a subgroup of MS would meet to
prepare a model letter setting out Schengen requirements which applicants could provide to their insurance
company for signature. This was approved after discussion at the whole group, on the basis that it was a
helpful tool and not a compulsory document.
Visa refusals.- The LSC has continued to consider that, absent a direct instruction and in view of the low
risk of fraud, each consulate remains free to exchange this information the way it considers best, which is
the actual practice.
Travel documents.- Information on travel documents issued by the US has been sent by EUDEL to DG
HOME on a timely basis. Specific coordination on the need to have a visa for holders of refugee travel
documents was undertaken by the Group. The validity of the Native American Tribal passports has also
been discussed.
Preparing the launching of VIS: biometrics data collection.- In preparation of the launch of the Visa
Information System (VIS), the group checked the capacities of the different MS to collect biometrics.
Stamping the passport.- The nature of the obligation on MS Consulates when faced with a visa application
where the individual passport has already been stamped by another MS Consulate was discussed and
consulted on with headquarters.
Migration and mobility.- The group considered that there is no risk of irregular migration and visa fraud
from the US to EU. Therefore a regular dialogue on migration and mobility is not deemed appropriate.
Specific visa questions (e.g. recognition of US documents, fraud cases, B1/B2 visa holders, etc) are
regularly discussed via e-mail or at the LSC meetings, which the group found to be useful. EUDEL shares
regularly with MS information provided by Headquarters (VC reports, modifications to Visa Code, etc)
Revision of the Visa Code.- the group has been following closely this operation. Following instructions,
EUDEL publicized the different initiatives that DG HOME was launching (e.g. a study, a public – on-lineconsultation).
Additionally, a specific questionnaire was addressed to MS in order to consider sharing their
views with Headquarters on the implementation of the Visa Code.
12893/14 PR/lm 189
DG D 1 A
EN