MEP Lynn Boylan (The Left) has asked the European Commission whether Ireland's six-month processing time for visa applications from non-EU family members of EU citizens violates Directive 2004/38/EC, which requires such visas to be granted 'as quickly as possible' via an accelerated procedure. The question, submitted on 17 April 2026, highlights that delays leave EU citizens and their families in legal limbo when exercising free movement rights.
Boylan's written question (E-001590/2026) targets Ireland's implementation of Article 5 of the directive, which guarantees entry rights for non-EU family members accompanying an EU citizen. She asks the Commission to confirm whether a six-month wait complies with the directive's urgency requirement, and whether other Irish practices fall short of the directive's obligations.
The question reflects a concern that bureaucratic delays undermine the core EU principle of free movement. If the Commission finds Ireland in breach, it could launch infringement proceedings, forcing Dublin to reform its visa processing. The Commission typically responds to parliamentary questions within six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it views Ireland's delays as a systemic problem or an isolated administrative issue.
Stakeholders impacted include EU citizens with non-EU family members (who face prolonged separation), Irish immigration authorities (who may need to allocate resources to speed up processing), and other Member States (whose own practices may come under scrutiny). The question also puts pressure on the Commission to enforce existing EU law more rigorously, potentially setting a precedent for similar delays elsewhere.