EU member
states have approved visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens for travels of up
to 90 days. The proposal will have to go to the European Parliament for
approval.
Deutsche Welle, 17 November 2016
The 28 EU member
states agreed in principle on visa-free travel for EU and Ukrainian citizens
for stays of not more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The new visa
arrangement with Ukraine will, however, only kick in once the European Union
improves its so-called suspension mechanism, designed to lift any visa waivers
in case of an emergency, like the 2015 refugee crisis.
Visa
liberalization had long been sought by Kyiv, especially since Russia's
annexation of the Crimean peninsula and its ongoing support of rebels in
eastern Ukraine.
An
incentive to fight corruption
The
prospect of visa-free travel was introduced as part of an EU-Ukraine
partnership accord signed in 2014. In return for closer overall cooperation
with Ukraine, the EU stipulated that the country had to commit to a number of
civil society reforms, largely aimed at combating corruption.
"Credible
reform is the right path and should be encouraged," Peter Javorcik, Slovak
ambassador to the EU said in a statement. Slovakia currently holds the bloc's
six-month rotating presidency.
"I am
also delighted that our decision is able to send a positive message in the run
up to the EU-Ukraine Summit on 24 November," Javorcik added.
Good news! By giving green light 2day @EUCouncil demonstrates commitment 2 #visa-free travel 4 #Ukraine citizens - https://t.co/bZFt00Ncnc. pic.twitter.com/fTQw1fMrVS— Peter Javorcik (@PeterJavorcik) November 17, 2016
The
announcement on the lifting of visas came, however, as somewhat of a
consolation prize after the Netherlands held a non-binding public referendum
earlier in 2016 on the EU Association Agreement with Ukraine, which more than
60 percent of voters said they were against. Still, the decision on visa
liberalization is likely to get noticed in other countries as well; Turkey,
Kosovo and Georgia have also been waiting to have EU visa requirements lifted.
ss/sms (AFP, Reuters, dpa)
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