Turkmenistan and the EU Are Discussing Simplified Schengen Visa Issuance and Cooperation Between Migration Services
Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union is entering a more active phase, accompanied by an increase in the number of mutual visits, official contacts, and joint events. In this context, practical steps to simplify visa procedures, improve the conditions for issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas, and strengthen the legal protection of citizens abroad are being emphasized.
The constructive direction of these reforms was set in Brussels during a working meeting between Turkmenistan's Ambassador Sapar Palvanov and Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME).
Systematization of visa policy is becoming a key practical area. In parallel with efforts to improve Schengen visa conditions for Turkmen citizens, Ashgabat is conducting substantive consultations with the Benelux countries on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
To promptly resolve consular issues and support citizens abroad, the Turkmen side proposed establishing direct contacts between the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and relevant agencies of EU countries. Ashgabat also confirmed its readiness to engage European expertise in the implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking for 2025–2029 and to participate in joint programs to combat transnational crime.
This entire practical agenda in the areas of migration and law and order is intended to become an important component of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement currently being drafted between Turkmenistan and the European Union. The European Commission welcomed Ashgabat's initiatives with great interest and confirmed its readiness for regular dialogue.
