Since 1 May 2018, EU citizens living or travelling outside the European Union are now able to better benefit from consular protection in case of need, when their EU Member State of origin is not represented in the non-EU country they are staying in. The updated rules allow EU citizens in distress in a non-EU country to get assistance from any EU embassy or consulate. The rules entering into force also specify how Member States should cooperate on common contingency plans so that unrepresented EU citizens get protection in the event of a crisis or a natural disaster. According to Commissioner Vĕra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality: “Almost 7 million EU citizens travel or live outside the EU in countries where their own Member State does not have an embassy or consulate. As of tomorrow we ensure that all EU citizens are treated equally when they need urgent assistance outside of our Union. The new rules reinforce citizens’ rights and are a strong sign of European solidarity.”
Besides assistance in times of crisis, EU citizens can also benefit from requesting consular protection in case of serious illness, when being victim of a crime, when arrested or in cases of passport loss or theft when abroad. Requests for emergency travel documents represent more than 60% of all cases of consular assistance to unrepresented citizens. Concerning Member States who have not finalised transposition yet, the Commission adds it will work closely with those to make sure the important new rules are implemented swiftly.