The non-binding resolution comes in response to the US not agreeing to visa-free travel for five EU countries – Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania – as part of a reciprocal agreement. The European Commission has said it intends to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the dispute, leaving the outcome of the situation uncertain. If the European Parliament’s vote is enacted, the visa-free travel scheme could be revoked by May, requiring US citizens to apply for extra documents for 12 months. The European Commission is, however, wary of the potential consequences of the order and the significant impact it may have on the bloc’s tourism industry. The failure of the US to meet its obligations under the reciprocity agreement was discovered three years ago, but the European Commission has yet to take action.

Source: bd News24 March 04, 2017 05:29 UTC