Brussels, 29/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Taiwanese nationals will soon be able to travel to the Schengen area without a visa. In Brussels on 25 November, the European industry ministers confirmed Taiwan's inclusion on the list of countries which enjoy an exemption from the requirement to apply for a visa with the EU. The measure will become effective 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU, which is set to take place by the end of December 2010. Thanks to this decision, Taiwanese nationals will be able to travel to 28 European countries - the 25 member states of the Schengen area, plus Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus - for trips of less than 90 days, without having to apply for a visa. This measure also concerns seven other European territories: the Vatican, Monaco, Andorra, Lichtenstein, San Marino, Greenland and the Faroe Isles. European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström welcomed this reciprocal measure, which will “give a boost to the already good relationship between Taiwan and the EU in various sectors, such as tourism or trade”. President of the Republic of Taiwan Ma Ying-jeou described the step as “an important chapter in the diplomatic history of Taiwan”, because “it will allow the Taiwanese to save on visa costs but, on a deeper level, it means that our country and our people are respected”. The visa waiver is to be implemented even though the EU does not recognise Taiwan as an independent State and has no diplomatic or official relations with Taiwan. (B.C./transl.fl)