Suggestions for amendments to the text of the Articles of the Treaty

AMENDMENT FORM

Suggestion for amendment of Article 12:

Suggestion for protocol :

By : Mrs Sandra Kalniete (LV Gov., Member), Mr Roberts Zile (LV Gov., Alternate), Mrs Liene Liepina (LV Parl., Member), Mr Rihards Piks (LV Parl., Member), Mr Arturs Krisjanis Karins (LV Parl., Alternate), Mr Guntars Krasts (LV Parl., Alternate).

Article 12: [Immigration]

2. To this end, the Council shall unanimously adopt laws and framework laws after consulting the European Parliament in the following areas:

• conditions of entry and residence, and standards on the issue by Member States of longâÀ‘term visas and residence permits, including those for the purpose of family reunion;
• definition of the rights of third-country nationals residing legally in a Member State, including the conditions governing the freedom of movement and of residence in other Member States;

2bis To this end, the European Parliament and the Council, in accordance with the legislative procedure, shall adopt laws and framework laws in the following areas:

• illegal immigration and unauthorised residence, including removal and repatriation of persons residing without authorisation;
• combating trafficking in persons, in particular women and children.

Explanation (if any) :

The Treaty of Nice determines the unanimous voting within the Council on conditions of entry and residence, and definition of the rights of third-country nationals residing legally in a Member State. Those provisions should not be changed.