EU ambassadors greenlight visa liberalization for Ukraine

The E.U. ambassadors gave green light to the E.U. Council to start negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission concerning the visa waiver program introduction for Ukrainian citizens.

This issue was supported by the Permanent Representatives Committee of the E.U. Council (Coreper) on Thursday, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.

"On 17 November, the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) agreed, on behalf of the Council, a negotiating position on visa liberalization for Ukraine. It confirmed the Commission proposal to provide for visa-free travel for EU citizens when travelling to the territory of Ukraine and for citizens of this country when travelling to the EU, for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.

The Council takes the view that the entry into force of visa liberalization for Ukraine should be done simultaneously with the launch of a new suspension mechanism, the statement by the E.U. Council reads.

"On the basis of this mandate, the presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament."

According to the Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the E.U. Council, taking into account that all requirements had been met, the E.U. Council confirmed its commitment to grant visa liberalization for Ukrainian citizens today by giving green light to the negotiations.

He also noted that it would be a positive signal before the EU-Ukraine Summit in Brussels on Nov. 24.