INTER-EUROPEAN EXCHANGES: THE PROBLEM OF VISAS AND OTHER OBSTAclES TO MOBILITY
At the beginning of the Helsinki process in the early seventies, back in the days of the Cold War, freedom of movement was held up as one of the touchstone criteria for adherence to fundamental rights on which the countries of the Eastern bloc could be judged. Every major document produced by the successive CSCE conferences in Helsinki, Madrid, Vienna, Copenhagen... included chapters on "human contacts" where the importance of "freer movement and contacts among citizens" was stressed. The participating States promised to "shorten the waiting time for visa decisions, as well as simplify practices and administrative requirements for visa applications".
EU and Schengen: a maze of administrative obstacles to East-West mobility
This was of course all aimed at the communist countries of Eastern Europe. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the situation has been reversed. The rich western countries of the European Union, particularly those within the Schengen group, are determined to restrict entry across the EU external frontier and have erected a maze of administrative obstacles to East-West mobility. The experience of the European Civic Forum (ECF) and many other organisations involved in East-West cooperation show that it is becoming increasingly difficult to carry out this sort of work, particularly in the CIS countries. There are few NGOs or associations which are in a position or willing to invest the considerable time, energy and resources needed to organise and carry out such programmes of exchange, despite these obstacles.
Sense of resignation in the East may trigger migratory movements to the West
And yet it is the long-term interest of our continent to develop and support a vast network of East-West exchange and cooperation which could contribute towards the economic and social development of eastern European countries confronted with a deepening crisis. All of the old structures from the communist era are collapsing without there being any real creation of new jobs or economic activity. There is a growing sense of resignation and despair due to most people’s conviction that nothing is going to change. Even if they remain strongly attached to their home region, the only alternative seems to be to go and look for at least seasonal work in a neighbouring country or in the West.
There is a serious risk that in a few years time we will witness massive migration towards the comparatively rich countries in the West, or at least a catastrophic brain drain.
Inter-European exchanges a necessary means of conflict prevention
At the same time, such inter-European exchanges favour mutual understanding between peoples and communities. This can help prevent future conflict and inter-ethnic tension. If the dream of a Common European Home is to come about, it will be thanks to the wide variety of exchanges and decentralised projects, whose concept and objectives have been developed by the populations directly concerned.
ECF proposal for a new European policy on visa
The ideal goal of every European must surely be to see total freedom of movement throughout the continent. But as this is unlikely for some time to come, the ECF believes that it is essential to establish a new policy on visas with regard to Eastern Europe which seeks to encourage, rather than hinder, the development of civic East-West cooperation.
A certain number of advantages should be granted to people who participate in projects and programmes of training and exchange organised by "recognised" organisations who act as "guarantors" vis-à-vis the authorities of the western countries concerned. National or international NGOs could be granted a recognised status by an institution such as the OSCE, European Union or Council of Europe. The "inviting bodies" would be above all local and regional authorities, associations and NGOs, as well as universities, professional schools and training centres. Within such a framework the visa procedure would be simplified. Applications would be treated rapidly and visas provided free of charge to the East Europeans concerned (a visa costs up to an average month’s salary). It must be made possible to organise longer-term professional training courses. When a municipality or "recognised" NGO wishes to invite a group for a course or seminar, it should be possible to make a group visa application which will be treated rapidly.
Such ideas have already been proposed by Council of Europe experts and committees, but so far without any concrete effect. The ECF has begun to distribute a document* incorporating these proposals to representatives of the European Parliament, Council of Europe and at the OSCE Review Conference in Vienna in November. I would be very interested to receive any comments or proposals concerning this question from Fortress Europe? readers. I would also welcome contact with other NGOs involved in East-West cooperation which have experienced similar difficulties with visas and other obstacles to mobility.
Nicholas Bell
Contact: European Civic Forum, F-04300 Limans (France); Tel: +33/492 730598; Fax: +33/492 731818; E-mail: nicholas.bell@gmx.net \*) The six-page ECF document (Promoting or hindering civic cooperation between Eastern and Western Europe - The problem of visas and other obstacles to mobility) can be ordered in English or French from the above address.</address>