The Council of the European Union has been notified by France that a bilateral agreement exempting Uzbek diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements for short stays will take effect, according to a Council note dated 1 May 2026. The exemption is implemented under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, which governs the EU's common visa list and permits member states to conclude bilateral agreements for specific traveler categories.
Document Details The note confirms that France exercised the option under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 to exempt holders of diplomatic passports from visa requirements for short stays. This national-level exemption is permitted within the EU's common visa framework and does not alter the general visa regime for Uzbek nationals.
Policy Context and Trade-offs The decision balances EU harmonization with member state flexibility. On one hand, it allows France to strengthen bilateral diplomatic ties with Uzbekistan without requiring a change to the EU-wide visa list. On the other hand, it introduces a minor divergence in visa policy among member states, potentially complicating uniform enforcement at external borders. The exemption is limited to diplomatic passport holders, minimizing impact on broader migration flows.
Stakeholder Impact - French diplomatic missions: Benefit from streamlined visa procedures for Uzbek diplomats, facilitating bilateral exchanges. - Uzbek diplomatic passport holders: Gain easier access to France for official travel, reducing administrative burden. - Other EU member states: May face slight inconsistencies in visa enforcement, as not all member states offer the same exemption. - EU institutions: The notification reinforces the existing legal framework that permits such bilateral agreements, with no immediate need for legislative action.
Institutional Follow-up The Council has taken note of the French notification. No further action is required at EU level, as the exemption falls within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. The European Commission may monitor implementation to ensure consistency with EU law.
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