Free Visa to the EU

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accepted the European Commission resolution on the procedure of crossing the European Union’s outer borders and on the issue of free visas to citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Belarus, ministry spokesman Markiyan Lubkivsky announced on September 9.

“The EU has in fact made the first step to truly simplify visa requirements for third countries, including Ukraine. We regard this document a concrete result of Ukraine’s persistent efforts aimed at a dialog with the EU on gradual liberalization of the visa treatment of Ukraine by European Union member states.” he said. According to Mr. Lubkivsky, the ministry hopes the proposed draft will be approved by the relevant European organizations, such as the EU Council, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, and the European Economic and Social Committee, in the version drawn up by the European Commission. “In our opinion, this will be a concrete step forward in implementing the initiatives that Ukraine has constantly and persistently advanced to achieve gradual liberalization of visa requirements on Ukraine by EU member states,” he emphasized.

It was also reported on the same day that Ukraine and Hungary had already agreed to issue free visas to Ukrainian citizens in exchange for visa-free travel for Hungarian nationals. During September 4-6 talks in Budapest, “The Hungarian side accepted the Ukrainian side’s proposal and agreed in principle to issue free visas to Ukrainian citizens in exchange for visa-free travel by Hungarian citizens to Ukraine,” Mr. Lubkivsky said. In his words, during the talks, the delegations discussed in detail the text of a draft agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the government of Hungary on the conditions of individual travel and agreed upon most of its provisions.

At the same time, the parties failed to reach as understanding on the following: the draft agreement’s provision that governs the procedure of issuing visas to citizens of Ukraine by diplomatic and consular institutions of Hungary, as well as the Hungarian side’s proposal on the issue of visas to Ukrainian privately-traveling individuals who can produce an invitation. To sign an agreement in the interests of both countries and promote further development of comprehensive Ukrainian-Hungarian cooperation, the parties agreed to continue negotiations. The next round of talks is expected to be held in Kyiv later this month.