Consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries

It affects EU citizens travelling to or living in non-EU countries where their own Member State lacks effective consular representation, especially during emergencies.

• Clarifies when a citizen counts as unrepresented and may seek help from another Member State.
• Requires joint consular contingency plans and annual crisis exercises for every third country.
• Expands Union delegations’ support role, including local coordination and specific assistance tasks on request.
• Simplifies cost recovery, including direct reimbursement by citizens and reimbursement for Union delegation support.

Takes effect

The Directive enters into force on the twentieth day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Transitional law

Member States must transpose the Directive within two years after its entry into force.

• Directive (EU) 2015/637 (32015L0637)
  • art. 6: replaces Article 6 on absence of representation
  • art. 7: replaces Article 7 on access and arrangements
  • art. 9(e): replaces point (e) to add evacuation
  • art. 9(f): replaces point (f) with Directive (EU) 2019/997 reference
  • art. 10(4): replaces paragraph 4 on notifying EEAS contact points
  • art. 10(5): adds paragraph 5 on involving other personnel and organisations
  • art. 11: replaces Article 11 on role of Union delegations
  • art. 12: replaces Article 12 on local consular cooperation
  • art. 13: replaces Article 13 on crisis preparedness
  • art. 13a: inserts Article 13a on crisis response
  • art. Chapter 2a: inserts new Chapter 2a on provision of information
  • art. 13b: inserts Article 13b on provision and dissemination of information
  • art. 13c: inserts Article 13c on information to Union citizens
  • art. 14: replaces Article 14 on general reimbursement rules
  • art. 15: replaces Article 15 on facilitated crisis reimbursement procedure
  • art. 15a: inserts Article 15a on committee procedure
  • art. 16a: inserts Article 16a on protection of personal data
  • art. 16b: inserts Article 16b on remedies
  • art. 19(3): adds paragraph 3 requiring evaluation report
  • art. Annexes I and II: deletes Annexes I and II
• Directive (EU) 2019/997 (32019L0997)
  • art. 5(3): replaces Article 5(3) cross-referencing reimbursement rules