EU: EU policy library refers to Freemuse Visa White Paper
The Freemuse report ‘Visas / The Discordant Note’ has been included as an official reference document in the EU Commission’s Library of policy documents
For two years various experts have met regularly in Bruxelles to discuss mobility and visa issues, and a core group has now developed a number of recommendations to the EU Commission and the EU member states.
The final report from the working group has a special chapter on visa issues, and it recommends to the EU Commission and the EU member states that “...the member states should promote close cooperation between culture and visa authorities at all levels especially within embassies on implementing Visa Code”
The EU report thus – along the line of the original Freemuse report – points out the specific lack of coordination at the level of ministries of culture and ministries of immigration / foreign affairs.
The report includes an extensive Annex with reference to several reports on mobility.
An American jazz pianist's Arabic-sounding name allegedly made US officials suspect a link between his payment for a performance in Europe and possible terrorist activities
European countries need to make visa and work permit procedures and the general access to the European market for artists more flexible, transparent and homogenous
The Freemuse report ‘Visas / The Discordant Note’ has been included as an official research document in the EU Commission's 'Library of Policy Documents'
While visa issues continue to create controversy, the Freemuse white paper ‘Visa / the discordant note’ plays an essential role in various international fora
White paper on visa issues launched at an international music trade fair: 'European countries need to make visa procedures more flexible, transparent and homogenous'
In collaboration with international artists organisations Freemuse launches an investigation of visa and work permit procedures in order to influence policy makers
Tighter restrictions on air travel means that musical instruments are no longer allowed on the plane as carry-on baggage. This has lead to cancellations of concerts and tours
Stringent immigration regulations have led to several foreign artists being denied entry into the UK, making it increasingly difficult to organise musical events featuring foreign artists
A London-based Zimbabwe news website quoted a British Embassy official as citing fear that she might not return to Zimbabwe after her tour as a reason for refusing her a visa
U.S Homeland Security and State departments are encouraged to "work together to improve the current visa situation…so it is less of a barrier for foreign visitors, artists, and scholars, and for the presenters who invite them"
