Visas: Council implementing powers for examining visa applications, instrument Vision. Initiative Finland

The Council took note that the unanimity required for the adoption of Council Regulations reserving to the Council implementing powers with regard to certain detailed provisions and practical procedures for examining visa applications and for carrying out border checks and surveillance had not been forthcoming. The Council instructed COREPER to pursue, as a matter of urgency, the examination of the outstanding question raised by one delegation concerning the Council's prerogative to reserve the right to exercise implementing powers for a five year transitional period, as provided for by Article 202 EC Treaty, with a view to enabling the Council to adopt the regulations as soon as possible and in any case before 25 March 2001, date of the full implementation of the Schengen Acquis in the Nordic Countries. �