New articles published by Polish Institute of International Affairs

- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: “New Visa Code of the European Union” by Rafał Kownacki.

The new EU Visa Code came into force on 5 April 2010. It contains uniform regulations for the 25 Schengen states observing the Common Visa Policy. The Visa Code structures the applicable provisions and establishes common principles and conditions for visa issuing. The uniform visa application form has been simplified, the number of persons exempt from visa fees raised, the right to an effective remedy against visa rejection decisions granted, all of which makes for a positive appraisal of the new Visa Code. Importantly, the Code’s new regulations specifying the competence for examining visa applications are especially significant for Poland.

- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: “The European External Action Service―Future Organization and Functioning Principles” by Ryszarda Formuszewicz.

After three months of preparatory work, Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, presented a Proposal for a Council decision establishing the organization and functioning of the European External Action Service (EEAS) on 25 March 2010. Although the schedule adopted by the European Council entails the completion of negotiations by the end of April 2010, finding a compromise could take longer. Adopting the decision requires both unanimity among member states and acceptance from the Commission. The European Parliament is also trying to establish its influence on future decisions.

- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: “Overthrow of Kyrgyzstani President Bakiyev: Causes and Implications” by Tomasz Sikorski.

Following a wave of demonstrations and street riots on 6–7 April, Kyrgyzstani President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was forced to escape from the country’s capital and, on 15 April, to resign his office and leave the country. A provisional government took over the power, seeking to bring the situation under control. The takeover by the opposition is expected to halt the country’s slip towards authoritarianism, while in the foreign policy the new authorities will continue seeking to maintain a balance between Russia, the US and China.

- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: “The Impact of Turkey’s Diplomatic Steps on Its Relations with the EU” by Adam Szymański.

In the current year, Turkey undertook many diplomatic initiatives to further the pre-accession process. With this aim in mind there were numerous visits of Turkish representatives in EU countries and of European politicians in Ankara. Although these visits will not change the unfavourable attitude of some EU members toward Turkey’s accession, they could nevertheless create favourable conditions for membership negotiations. This will most probably not be enough to accelerate the talks, given Turkey’s internal and external problems.

For further information: Polish Institute of International Affairs