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REPORT (05760/2026– C100027/2026 – 2023/0441(CNS))

On the draft for a Council directive amending Directive (EU) 2015/637 on the coordination and cooperation measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries and Directive (EU) 2019/997 establishing an EU Emergency Travel Document

A-10-2026-0254

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs · Rapporteur: Lena Düpont

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's amended version of the Council proposal to amend Directive (EU) 2015/637 on consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens and Directive (EU) 2019/997 on the EU emergency travel document. It approves the amended Commission proposal and asks the Commission to change the proposal accordingly and the Council to inform Parliament of any departure from Parliament's position. The amendments define EU citizens as unrepresented when they cannot safely reach or be contacted by their own member state's embassy or consulate within 48 hours, or immediately in situations of imminent danger. They aim to step up consular exercises, improve services for vulnerable unrepresented citizens, give the European External Action Service resources and training, and build early-warning and cooperation channels between member states and EU delegations. They align data protection mechanisms with the applicable legal framework and require the Commission to report so the framework keeps pace with the international context.

Committee position. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs approves the amended Commission proposal and asks the Commission to amend it accordingly and the Council to inform or re-consult Parliament if it departs from or substantially changes the proposal.

Key points

  1. Parliament approves the amended Commission proposal and asks the Commission to amend it in line with Article 293(2) TFEU.
  2. It asks the Council to inform Parliament if it intends to depart from Parliament's position, and to consult Parliament again before any substantial change to the proposal.
  3. EU citizens count as unrepresented when they cannot safely reach or be contacted by their own member state's embassy or consulate within 48 hours.
  4. In situations of imminent danger, that time limit does not apply and the citizens are considered unrepresented immediately.
  5. The amendments seek more frequent consular exercises by member states' authorities and EU delegations to improve anticipation and preparation.
  6. They aim to improve the services provided to vulnerable unrepresented EU citizens.
  7. The European External Action Service is to receive resources and EU staff are to be trained to support member states in these tasks.
  8. Cooperation channels between member states and EU delegations are to improve early-warning systems, harmonise travel advice and help contact EU citizens in emergencies.
  9. Data protection mechanisms are to be brought in line with the applicable legal framework without undermining the ability of member states' authorities and EU bodies to carry out these tasks.
  10. The European Commission is to be required to report to ensure the legal framework meets the needs arising from the international context in the coming years.

Who is affected

  • Unrepresented EU citizens in third countries, who gain clearer criteria for consular protection and improved services.
  • Member states' authorities, which are to run more consular exercises and cooperate with EU delegations.
  • EU delegations and the European External Action Service, which are to receive resources and staff training.
  • The European Commission, which is to report on the framework and amend its proposal.

Figures and deadlines

  • 48 hours — the time within which an EU citizen must be able to safely reach or be contacted by their own member state's embassy or consulate.

Legal basis: Article 23(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.