Kinga Gál calls for better residence conditions for nationals of non-EU countries

In her speech at the plenary of the European Parliament, Kinga Gál welcomed improvements that have been made with the travel conditions of third country nationals legally residing in the European Union.

The new law helps for third country nationals who possess the so called D-visa, entitling a long-term stay, to travel inside the borders of the European Union.

During the debate Kinga Gál highlighted that a solution is needed if member states for certain reasons are not able to grant a residence permit in time to third country nationals residing on their territory. Certain member states are yet to fully apply the ease of movement provisions of the Schengen agreement.

Mrs Gál urged that European Union external borders should have ease of access for legitimate visitors, and suggested that unjustifiable visa regulations for people living on both sides of the border be dismantled. "The European Union has to be available for everybody who has a legitimate interest to enter its territory." – she said.

For nationals of third countries in EU neighbouring countries, amongst them the hundred thousand members of the Transcarpathian and Vojvodinan Hungarian minority, there is a fundamental need to be able to reside legally without bureaucratic or administrative restrictions within the European Union. Kinga Gál added that adequate laws are necessary both at the state and Community level, laws which did not undermine efficiency, but which act to reinforce the objectives.