Most EU countries behind in transposing visa directive for foreign researchers
Most EU member states are behind in transposing the directive facilitating the delivery of visas for researchers who are non-EU nationals, according to the European Commission.
Most EU member states are behind in transposing the directive facilitating the delivery of visas for researchers who are non-EU nationals, according to the European Commission.
Of the 27 member states, only six - Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Portugal and Romania - have notified the European Commission of complete implementation of the 2005 Directive. The Commission could take measures against the other countries.
"If Europe is to be a world leader in science, then it must be open to the world," commented the Commissioner responsible for research, Janez Potocnik.
The deadline for implementation was set for 12 October, 2007, and a Commission statement says that it "deeply regrets that so many member states have not yet transposed this directive .. and hopes this situation to be remedied as soon as possible so as to avoid initiating infringement procedures".
Directive 2005/71/EC provides for a fast-track procedure to grant residence visas to researchers who are non-EU nationals to enable them to come to work in the EU. The hosting research bodies must guarantee the status of the researchers concerned in the form of agreements confirming the research project and the possession on the part of the researcher of the required scientific skills, sufficient resources and health cover.
This legislation is considered by the Commission to be one of the measures that will increase EU competitiveness.