Brussels, 05/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 5 July, the European Commission suggested adding Taiwan to the list of countries and territories whose passport-holders do not require a visa for short visits to the Schengen area and other countries. Taiwanese passport holders would no longer require a visa when travelling to the European Union for up to 90 days. "Today's proposal will enhance EU relations with Taiwan. It will contribute towards strengthening our trade and investment relations as well as people-to-people contacts", said Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs. "The EU is Taiwan's fourth largest trading partner and its first foreign direct investor. Easier travel conditions for Taiwanese businessmen would also facilitate Taiwanese investments in what is already the biggest single market in the world." The visa waiver for Taiwan would cover all the countries in the Schengen area (22 EU member states, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland), Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus (the latter three are not in Schengen). The decision is based on an in-depth review of technical demands to be met by Taiwan, like the introduction of biometric passports (introduced in Taiwan in 2008) and better identification of individuals applying for Taiwanese passports and ID cards. The Commission's decision is a first step in the process of issuing a visa waiver for Taiwan and will come into force once it has been endorsed by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. The visa waiver is expected to be matched by a similar visa waiver for any EU citizen wishing to travel to Taiwan. Currently, people carrying Cypriot, Romanian or Bulgarian passports require a visa for visits to Taiwan. The Commission comments that aligning Taiwan with other countries and territories which already enjoy visa exemption, such as Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, reinforces the coherence of the EU's policy in the region. It also takes account of similar decisions already made by other countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland or New Zealand. (B.C./transl.fl)