Visas: Council adopts regulation on visa liberalisation for Ukrainian citizens
On 11 May 2017, the Council adopted a
regulation on visa liberalisation for Ukrainian
citizens travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day
period.
"The adoption of the regulation on visa liberalisation for Ukrainian citizens is an important
development, which will help strengthen ties between the people of Ukraine and
the EU. It follows the completion of the necessary reforms by Ukraine in a
number of areas including migration, public order and security, external
relations and fundamental rights. Furthermore, the revised suspension mechanism
recently adopted by the EU makes it possible for the Union to suspend such
liberalization, if there are serious migration or security issues with
Ukraine"
Carmelo Abela,
Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security
The regulation formally amends regulation
539/2001, moving Ukraine from Annex I (countries whose nationals need a visa to
enter the Schengen area) to Annex II (visa free countries). Ukrainian citizens
with a biometric passport travelling to the EU for up to 90 days for business,
tourist or family purposes will no longer need a visa.
These measures will not apply to Ireland and
the United Kingdom, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU
treaties. The visa regime of these member states remains subject to their
national legislation.
Next steps
The Council and the European Parliament now
need to sign the adopted regulation. The text will then be published in the EU
Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later.
Background
In December 2015 the Commission found that
Ukraine had met all the benchmarks of the visa liberalisation
plan and was therefore ready for the exemption of the visa requirement. On 20
April 2016 the Commission published the proposal for visa liberalisation
for holders of Ukrainian passports. The Council and the European Parliament
reached an agreement on the proposal on 28 February 2017.
European Council: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/05/11-visa-liberalisation-ukraine/