Third-country nationals: uniform format for residence permits

The European Parliament adopted the resolution of Mr Sérgio SOUSA PINTO (PES, P) subject to several amendments. The European Parliament has included a new recital which stipulates that in order to maintain and develop the European Union as an area of freedom, security and justice, in which the free movement of persons is guaranteed, the rules referring to documents providing the personal identity, nationality and residence of both citizens of the European Union and of third countries should be harmonised. The uniform format of residence permits issued by member States to third country nationals shall be a a stand-alone document in which a photograph of the person concerned shall be inserted in an indelible manner. In addition, complementary technical specifications for the uniform format for residence permits shall be established.�