Ukrainians and Georgians get closer to visa-free EU travel

The European Union has come to an agreement to grant Ukrainian and Georgian citizens visa-free travel.

Late-night talks resulted in an end to the internal dispute on the terms of a mechanism that could be used to suspend visa waivers in emergencies, which had been holding up proceedings.

The new deal provides for the swift reintroduction of visas without lawmakers’ approval if there is an unexpectedly sharp rise in citizens from a non-EU country, such as Ukraine or Georgia, travelling to the EU. This mechanism can also be activated if there is deemed to be a security threat, if there is increase in unfounded asylum applications, or disagreement regarding returning migrants.

The deal on visa suspension still has to be formally approved by the EU member states and the European Parliament.

Source: Independent