Even though the EU had hopes to exchange visa free travel for a stronger commitment to fight organised crime and corruption in the Eastern Partnership countries, it now admits these hopes didn't come true. The first report on the implementation of the tailor-made monitoring mechanism on visa liberalisation released by the European Commission shows there is no direct link … [Read more...]
As of Midnight, June 11 : Ukrainians Travel Visa-Free to Europe
It took seven years, seven months and 12 days to Ukraine to get visa free travel for its citizens in the European Union. But finally, it happened and from midnight this Sunday, 11 June 2017, all holders of Ukrainian biometric passports will be able to travel to the Schengen states without prior authorisation. Visa free travel covers only short stays up to 90 days for … [Read more...]
What Should Ukraine Expect from the EU Visa Liberalisation? See the Examples of Georgia and Moldova
This story describes the path of Ukraine towards visa-free travel to the EU and uses the examples of Georgia and Moldova to outline whet it would mean for ordinary citizens. It refers to OPEN Media Hub's interview with MEP Rebecca Harms and to the story created by GARB TV in Georgia. Author: Olena Makarenko Media: Euromaidanpress Link to original publication (in … [Read more...]
Council Gives Final Approval of Visa-Free Travel for Georgia
EU ministers attending the European Council on Monday, February 27 have put the final stamp on visa-free travel for Georgia. The ministers have also approved the visa waiver suspension mechanism allowing member states to temporarily re-introduce the visa requirements. The decision about visa-free travel will apply for short stay of Georgians holding biometric passports, … [Read more...]
Visa Liberalisation and the Economic Perspective of Georgia
Will visa liberalisaton change anything for Georgia? The debate in Georgia on the possible benefits of visa liberalisation is taking place against a backdrop of increasingly difficult economic conditions. The lari is in free fall, workers are finding it tough to get work in neighbouring Russia and Turkey, who have their own problems, and the country is in desperate need of … [Read more...]