On November 17, the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) agreed, on behalf of the Council, a negotiating position on visa liberalization for Ukraine, according to Peter Javorcik, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the EU and COREPER President, an UNIAN correspondent in Brussels reports.
COREPER confirmed the [European] Commission proposal to provide for visa-free travel for EU citizens when traveling to the territory of Ukraine and for citizens of this country when traveling to the EU, for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period, according to the EU official.
The Council takes the view that the entry into force of visa liberalization for Ukraine ”should be at the same time as the entry into force of the new suspension mechanism”, reads the statement.
On the basis of this mandate, the presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament.
”By giving its green light today, the Council has demonstrated its commitment to visa-free travel for citizens of Ukraine, taking into account that all requirements have been met. Credible reform is the right path and should be encouraged,” said Javorcik. ”I am also delighted that our decision is able to send a positive message in the run up to the EU-Ukraine Summit on November 24.”
