Sweden Worried by EU Visa-Free Deal with Venezuela
For many years, the European Union has had a policy of providing visa-liberalization for citizens of certain countries, meaning that those citizens can enter the European Union for short stays without first obtaining visas. In recent months, the EU has taken steps to add a new country to this visa-liberalization program—Venezuela. However, Sweden has become increasingly worried about the implications this new deal has for its own security and stability.
Why Sweden is Wary of This Deal
Sweden has long been one of the strongest supporters of actions to improve the safety of the European Union through increased migration control. The country has also been one of the most vocal critics of the EU’s current visa-liberalization policy—which is why it is particularly concerned about the new visa-free agreement with Venezuela.
The Specifics of Sweden’s Concerns
Though the EU’s visa-liberalization is meant to make it easier for legitimate travelers to get to the bloc, some of Sweden’s concerns include:
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The Potential Security Threat: Sweden is worried that Venezuela’s visa-free access could be exploited by criminals, terrorists, and other undesirables who may seek to enter EU states undetected.
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The Scarcity of Resources: With a massive influx of citizens from the Venezuelan nation, Sweden fears it may be unable to provide housing, education, and other necessary services for these newcomers.
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The Economic Impact: Sweden also worries about the economic implications of this deal—the potential for higher prices due to an influx of competitors in the job market and other financial issues.
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The Political Impact: Finally, Sweden is concerned that this visa-free deal could be used to subvert the existing political and economic systems of EU states. For instance, individuals loyal to the Venezuelan government could potentially gain entry to Sweden and use their positions to influence its government.
The European Commission’s Response to Sweden’s Fears
The European Commission has taken steps to address some of the issues raised by Sweden’s concerns. In particular, it has bolstered security measures to ensure that travelers seeking entry to the EU meet certain criteria, and it has also opened more asylum-processing centers to accommodate potential refugees seeking resettlement. The European Commission has also committed itself to providing additional support for Sweden and other EU countries in terms of education and financial aid, if necessary.
Sweden’s Continued Worries
Despite the steps taken by the European Commission, Sweden remains wary about the potential implications of the EU’s visa-liberalization for Venezuela. This has even led some in Sweden to suggest that the country should leave the EU entirely if the deal goes ahead. However, other Swedes, such as Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, recognize the need for careful consideration and are hopeful that a deal can be reached that both improves security and safeguards the economic and political integrity of the country.
It is clear that the European Union’s visa-free agreement for Venezuelans has caused a great deal of concern for Sweden. The potential security, economic, and political implications of this agreement are causing Swedes to reconsider the benefits of remaining a part of the European Union. Nonetheless, the European Commission has taken steps to address these concerns, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming months.
