Post by Jaga on Nov 24, 2009 9:32:16 GMT -7
Responding to a question tabled by Polish MEPs, the EC says people of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia cannot expect full visa liberalization by the EU in the near future.
While admitting that the mobility of persons is a key element of the bloc’s relations with its Eastern neighbors, the European Commission has said that no specific timetable or roadmap leading to visa waiver have been set to date.
The EC responded to a question tabled by Polish MEPs Lena Kolarska-Bobinska and Pawel Zalewski, who said that after Poland and other new member states entered the Schengen zone in December 2007, they had to tighten visa requirements for nationals of Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. This has had a damaging effect on cross-border traffic and cooperation.
In Poland’s case, the number of visas issued to Ukrainians in 2008 dropped by 40 percent compared with 2007 a decline of 60 percent by Belarusians.
Visa agreements signed by the EU with Moldova, Russia and Ukraine provide for visa-free travel but in long-term perspective. The EU first wants these countries to improve document security, migration management, public order and external relations.
Last year, Poland concluded a visa-free cross border travel agreement with Ukraine whereby some 1.5 million Ukrainians and about 800,000 Poles who live in the 50 km wide stretch of land on both sides of the border, can cross it without visas. (kk)
While admitting that the mobility of persons is a key element of the bloc’s relations with its Eastern neighbors, the European Commission has said that no specific timetable or roadmap leading to visa waiver have been set to date.
The EC responded to a question tabled by Polish MEPs Lena Kolarska-Bobinska and Pawel Zalewski, who said that after Poland and other new member states entered the Schengen zone in December 2007, they had to tighten visa requirements for nationals of Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. This has had a damaging effect on cross-border traffic and cooperation.
In Poland’s case, the number of visas issued to Ukrainians in 2008 dropped by 40 percent compared with 2007 a decline of 60 percent by Belarusians.
Visa agreements signed by the EU with Moldova, Russia and Ukraine provide for visa-free travel but in long-term perspective. The EU first wants these countries to improve document security, migration management, public order and external relations.
Last year, Poland concluded a visa-free cross border travel agreement with Ukraine whereby some 1.5 million Ukrainians and about 800,000 Poles who live in the 50 km wide stretch of land on both sides of the border, can cross it without visas. (kk)