Brussels, 22/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 March, the foreign affairs ministers of the EU adopted a proposed regulation allowing foreigners staying within the Schengen zone with a long-term visa to move freely within the other countries of the zone, under the same conditions as those holding valid residence permits. This provision, which will enter into force before 5 April, the day on which the Community visa code comes into force, will apply to extra-Community nationals holding a long-stay or "D" visa (from three months to one year). In practice, these people are mainly students or researchers, or people visiting family in Europe. The text provides for long-stay visas to be issued under the same security conditions as residence permits, i.e. further to consultation of the Schengen information system, which lists people wanted in Europe. The Parliament has already lent its support to the regulation (EUROPE 10095). (B.C./transl.fl)