Press Release

14/07/2009

Canadian visas for Czech citizens - European solidarity should apply. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, and Zuzana Roithová MEP, Head of the Czech Delegation in the EPP Group

Joint statement by Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP Group, and Zuzana Roithová, Head of the Czech Delegation in the EPP Group

"We deeply regret Canada's decision to re-introduce the obligation for Czech Citizens to obtain a visa before travelling to Canada. The new measure will lead to different treatment of Czech citizens, compared to citizens of other Member States of the European Union, who can travel to Canada without a visa.

Apart from being discriminatory, the new measure will have a huge practical and economic impact on citizens going to Canada for business or work.

The EPP Group cannot see a valid reason behind the Canadian visa decision and asks the Canadian Government to lift the measure without delay.

The Group calls for solidarity between Member States of the EU, asking the Governments of the 27 Member States to stand together in putting pressure on Canada at this time."

For further information:
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman Daul's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290
Marek Hannibal, EPP Press Service, Tel: +32-475-753048