Brussels – Ankara | The European Union’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Thomas Ossowski, has renewed calls to restart and speed up the visa liberalisation dialogue between the EU and Türkiye, stating it is "not acceptable" that Turkish citizens still lack visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

According to reports, the EU has formally offered to resume technical negotiations with Türkiye, focusing on the six remaining benchmarks needed for the full implementation of visa-free travel for Turkish nationals.

Background on Visa Liberalisation Talks

The EU–Türkiye visa liberalisation dialogue began in 2016, with Türkiye initially required to meet 72 benchmarks set by the European Commission. So far, 66 out of 72 have been fulfilled, but six critical areas remain unresolved, halting progress on visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.

“We have made a sincere and honest offer to the Turkish government. Let’s start the talks again,” said Ambassador Ossowski.

Türkiye Lags Behind Kosovo in Schengen Access

Highlighting his concern, Ambassador Ossowski pointed out that even Kosovo—whose statehood is not recognised by all EU members—has secured visa-free travel for its citizens. Since January 1, 2024, Kosovo passport holders can travel visa-free to the EU for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

“Kosovo is a young, fragile state. Türkiye is a strong, established nation with a robust bureaucracy. This situation must be addressed,” said Ossowski.

This comparison underlines a growing frustration within Ankara, where President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an recently called on the European Union to revise current Schengen visa policies and address what he described as unjust practices toward Turkish applicants.

Why Schengen Visa Liberalisation Matters

Visa liberalisation would allow Turkish passport holders to travel visa-free throughout the EU's Schengen Area for short-term stays (up to 90 days) — a significant step for tourism, trade, academic exchange, and diplomatic relations.

Beyond easier travel, visa-free access is a key component of Türkiye's long-standing EU accession goals, and resuming negotiations would mark an important political and economic milestone.

Need Help With Schengen Visa Applications?

Until a final agreement is reached, Turkish citizens still need to apply for Schengen visas to visit Europe.

If you are planning to visit, study, work, or invest in the EU, our team at EU Prime Serwis is here to assist you with:

• Schengen visa applications

• Tourist and business visa guidance

• Visa refusals and reapplications

• Residency permits and EU investment visas

Start your application or ask a question here:
https://euprimeserwis.pl/contact-us