4 Amendments of Jadwiga WIŚNIEWSKA related to 2022/0135(COD)
Amendment 7 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) In recent times, both Kuwait and Qatar have proven to be important partners for the EU in dealing with various crises: providing assistance, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, with repatriation of EU citizens and vaccinations, following the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, and in countering the recent hybrid threats against Europe. Also worth noting in this context are the support provided by these countries for humanitarian assistance in Syria, their stance – consistent with the EU – towards Russian aggression against Ukraine and the global mobilisation for the proper implementation of the provisions of the UN Charter.
Amendment 11 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Kuwait and Qatar present low risks of irregular migration to the Union and issue biometric passports in line with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Security cooperation with those countries has intensified in recent years. As regards economic interests, Kuwait and Qatar are important economic partners for the Union, in particular in the area of energy. The area of energy is one of the most important elements of cooperation in building a strong, broad and multisectoral partnership. Tourism, including medical tourism, and education should also be considered as offering particularly attractive prospects for cooperation with Kuwait and Qatar. Although challenges remain in the area of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Kuwait and Qatar have undergone societal transformations and improvements regarding women’s rights, labour rights and freedom of religion and interfaith dialogue and are expected to continue making progress and reforms. The long- term benefits of visa- free travel to the EU can reinforce positive trends in these areas.
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(2a) In view of all the above elements, it should be pointed out that, by facilitating people-to-people contacts and helping to strengthen political, economic, research, educational, cultural and social exchanges, visa-free travel is an important element of the EU’s opening up to the Gulf countries.
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) Along the lines of the process involving Kuwait and Qatar, the Commission should immediately assess the situation of other third countries potentially eligible for visa exemption, particularly Ecuador, in separate procedures tailored to the regions concerned and taking into account the specific nature of those countries.