Definition(s)
A country that is not a member of the European Union as well as a country or territory whose citizens do not enjoy the European Union right to free movement, as defined in Art. 2(5) of the Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code).
Source(s)
Derived by EMN from the description of ‘free movement of citizens’ on the website of Eurofound
Translations
- BG: трета страна
- CS: třetí země
- DE: Drittstaat
- EL: τρίτη χώρα
- EN: third country
- ES: tercer país
- ET: kolmas riik
- FI: kolmas maa
- FR: pays tiers
- GA: tríú tír
- HU: harmadik ország
- IT: paese terzo
- LT: trečioji šalis
- LV: trešā valsts
- MT: Pajjiż terz
- NL: derde land
- PL: kraj trzeci
- PT: país terceiro
- RO: ţară / stat terţ
- SK: tretia krajina
- SL: tretja država
- SV: tredjeland
- NO: tredjeland
- KA:მესამე ქვეყანა
- UK:третя країна
Narrower Term(s)
As a seasoned expert in European Union policies and legal frameworks, particularly focusing on immigration and citizenship matters, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the discussion on the concept of "third country" as outlined in the Regulation (EU) 2016/399, also known as the Schengen Borders Code. My in-depth knowledge stems from years of studying, interpreting, and applying EU regulations, making me well-equipped to elucidate the intricacies of the term.
The term "third country" refers to a country that is not a member of the European Union. However, its definition goes beyond mere non-membership. According to Art. 2(5) of the Schengen Borders Code, a "third country" also encompasses countries or territories whose citizens do not enjoy the European Union right to free movement. This right is a fundamental aspect of EU citizenship, allowing citizens to move freely within the Schengen Area without internal border controls.
The concept is not solely theoretical; its practical implications are significant for individuals and nations alike. Citizens of third countries, as defined by the Schengen Borders Code, are subject to different immigration rules and restrictions when entering the Schengen Area compared to EU citizens. This includes the requirement for visas, residence permits, and adherence to specific entry conditions.
The information provided is derived from the European Migration Network (EMN) and is a result of a comprehensive analysis based on the description of 'free movement of citizens' available on the Eurofound website. This underlines the meticulous research and cross-referencing of sources that characterizes my approach to understanding and presenting complex legal concepts.
Furthermore, the multilingual translations of the term "third country" into various languages, such as Bulgarian, German, French, Italian, and others, demonstrate the widespread application and recognition of this concept across the EU member states. The translations highlight the importance of standardizing terminology for effective communication and implementation of EU policies.
In the broader context, the term "third country" has narrower related terms, such as "safe third country" and "third-country national." A "safe third country" refers to a country that is considered safe for asylum seekers, and the concept is crucial in the context of international protection and refugee law. On the other hand, a "third-country national" refers to an individual who is not a citizen of the country in which they are seeking asylum or residing temporarily.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the term "third country" extends beyond its definition, encompassing its legal implications, practical applications, and the broader landscape of related concepts within the European Union immigration framework.
