I wonder how far the following rules are binding:
The >>Visacodex<< sais:
The >>Visahandbook<< sais:CHAPTER II
Application
Article 9
Practical modalities for lodging an application
1. Applications shall be lodged no more than three months before the start of the intended visit. (...)
2. (...)The appointment shall, as a rule, take place within a period of two weeks from the date when the appointment was requested.
[list][*]Does this mean that everyone is definitely entitled to an appointment within two weeks, or does the "shall as a rule"-part leave this open to arbitrary deferral?3.2.2. What is the maximum deadline for obtaining an appointment?
Legal basis: Visa Code, Article 9(2)
The deadlines for obtaining an appointment shall as a rule not exceed two weeks. The
capacity of Member States' consulates to handle visa applications should be adapted so that
this deadline is complied with even during peak seasons.
[*]If the 2 weeks are binding, how good would you think are chances to claim compensation for damages in the form of ticket prices which increased over the -illegal- delay beyond 2 weeks (in my specific case 10(!) weeks)?[/list]
Little extra for those who speak German: The German translation >>Visahandbuch<< sounds much more binding: (the meaning changes, IMHO, completely)
3.2.2. Welcher Zeitraum darf höchstens zwischen Terminvereinbarung und Termin liegen?
Rechtsgrundlage: Visakodex - Artikel 9 Absatz 2
Ein Termin muss innerhalb von höchstens zwei Wochen erhältlich sein. Die Kapazitäten der
Konsulate der Mitgliedstaaten für die Bearbeitung von Visumanträgen sind so anzupassen,
dass diese Frist auch in Stoßzeiten eingehalten werden kann.my attempt to translate EXACTLY wrote:3.2.2. What is maximum period between "scheduling an appointment" an the appointment itself?
Legal basis: Visa Code, Article 9(2)
An appointment must be available within two weeks. The capacity of Member States' consulates
to handle visa applications must be adapted so that this deadline is complied with even during peak
seasons.