Council adopts Directive to smooth entry of third country researchers into EU
The Council of Ministers has adopted a new Directive calling on the Member States to establish a fast-track system for the admission of third country nationals to the EU for the purposes of scientific research. According to the new system, an accredited EU research organisation must provide a host agreement, certifying a non-EU researcher's involvement in a research project and his or her possession of the necessary technical skills. On the basis of the host agreement, immigration authorities in the host country will deliver a residence permit through a fast-track procedure. Possession of such a residence permit will automatically imply the right to work without further economic means testing. Holders will also enjoy equal treatment with EU nationals in many areas, such as social security, working conditions and the right to travel freely within the Schengen countries (and Ireland) in order to carry out their research. As part of the Directive, Member States are encouraged to allow third country researchers who are already legally present in their territory to submit applications for the residence permit without first having to return home, which is often the case now. All EU countries must transpose the Directive into national law by October 2007. Alongside the Directive, the Council also adopted a recommendation on facilitating the admission of third country researchers, suggesting that Member States offer exemption or the automatic delivery of work permits, and also covering issues such as family reunification. Another recommendation was adopted in September encouraging Member States to establish fast-track procedures for the issuing of short-term or multiple entry visas, to adopt a harmonised approach to supporting documents for research visas applications, and to strengthen their consular cooperation on these issues. Commenting jointly on the package of measures, Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik, and Vice President with responsibility for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini, described it as 'a major step towards a European Research Area more capable [of exchanging] talents with the rest of the world.'