REPORTS
Incorrect application of Commission Implementing Decision C(2020)2672 introducing a digital seal on the uniform format for visas by Greece INFR(2023)2103
Each Member State of the European Union must fully apply EU law. The body responsible for identifying possible violations of EU law is the European Commission. Where a Member State does not apply EU law and breaches its obligations under the EU Treaties, the European Commission may open a formal infringement procedure under Articles 258 and 260 TFEU (see details on the infringement procedure here).
As stated in the September Infringements Package, the European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Greece (INFR(2023)2103) for not implementing the 2D-barcode on the uniform format for visas. The 2D-barcode was introduced to protect the entries on the visa sticker against falsification. All Member States were notified of Commission Implementing Decision C(2020)2672 introducing a 2D-barcode on the uniform format for visa on 30 April 2020. The deadline for the implementation expired in May 2022. Greece is still not printing the 2D-barcode on the visa stickers they issue. Greece now has two months to respond to the letter and address the shortcomings identified by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
More information on this procedure can be found on the European Commission’s website by entering INFR(2023)2103 in the “Infringement number” field.
The application of EU law is an obligation of the Member States of the European Union. If infringements of EU law are identified, the European Commission may take a series of actions against the Member State concerned to ensure the correct and full application of EU law by opening infringement proceedings under Articles 258 and 260 TFEU.
In this case, the European Commission has sent a letter of formal notice, asking Greece to comply with Commission Implementing Decision C(2020) 2672 and to apply the two-dimensional barcode to uniform visas.
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