The European Union’s recent announcement demanding US citizens to apply for travel authorization to visit any of the 30 identified European nations starting in 2024 with a fee is outrageous, to say the least! It is the ultimate slap in the face to a nation that provides them with military protection and an abundance of trade opportunities. This move is a clear indication of Europe’s blatant lack of respect for the United States!
Donald Trump, the leader of the true patriotic Americans, expressed his profound disgust in a post on Truth Social. He exclaimed, “Wow! U.S. Citizens will have to pay for a visa to travel to Europe starting in 2024. Think of this, we give them everything, and now we have to pay them to go there. NO RESPECT FOR THE UNITED STATES.” He also promised that, if elected as president once again, he would put a stop to this madness! He further stated, “I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. IT WILL END VERY QUICKLY!!!”
The United States is amongst the top 60 countries that are “visa-exempt”, which now requires them to fill out an application that will be processed by the European Travel Information and Authorization System before traveling to the identified countries. The $8 fee may seem like a small amount, but it is a clear violation of America’s sovereignty!
There has never been a time in history where US citizens had to apply to travel to any of the identified European countries. The EU’s new regulations have put a strain on the relationship between the two regions. Although the applications are said to be processed quickly, some may take longer, and these potential complications must come to a halt!
The authorization will last for up to three years or until the individual’s passport expires. The European Commission assures the public that the “ETIAS will be a largely automated IT system created to identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors traveling to the Schengen States, whilst at the same time facilitate crossing borders for the vast majority of travelers who do not pose such risks. Non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for a travel authorization through the ETIAS system prior to their trip. The information gathered via ETIAS will allow, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection principles, for advanced verification of potential security, irregular migration of high epidemic risks.”
It is unfathomable that the EU will require visa authorization from U.S. citizens when most of these countries have enjoyed visa-free travel to the US. With this decision, Europe has set a new precedence, which will negatively affect millions of Americans. The future of US-EU relations already hang in the balance; this latest move will only place more significant strain on an already delicate relationship. It is time for our leaders to rise and put an end to this madness!
