S&D MEP Matjaž Nemec has raised concerns about unequal treatment of EU citizens under Australia's visa system, questioning the European Commission on whether the differentiation between EU member states breaches EU visa reciprocity rules. The written question, submitted on 9 April 2026, highlights that citizens from 12 EU member states—Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia—cannot apply for Australia's Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), while all EU citizens can use the eVisitor scheme. Nemec argues that although both are electronic travel authorisations, they differ in processing, automation, and user experience, creating a de facto inequality.
The question asks the Commission to assess this differentiation in light of the EU's objective of full visa reciprocity, and whether it constitutes unequal treatment potentially breaching Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 on the suspension mechanism. Nemec also inquires if the issue has been raised with Australian authorities and what concrete steps the Commission plans to take.
Policy orientation and ambition
Nemec's question pushes for stronger EU action to ensure equal treatment of all member states' citizens in third-country visa regimes. It suggests that the current situation undermines the principle of unity and reciprocity in EU external visa policy. The question does not set numerical targets but calls for a clear legal assessment and diplomatic follow-up.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the Australian system as a violation of reciprocity rules and whether it plans to escalate the matter bilaterally or through EU-level mechanisms. This could influence future negotiations with Australia on visa arrangements.