Brussels, 19/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - At the Ecofin session of the Council on Tuesday 18 January, the EU27 formerly adopted two agreements on facilitating visa procedures and readmission, which will enter into force on 1 March 2011. It will be easier and less expensive (the price drops from €60 to €35) for Georgians to travel to the EU and to obtain short-stay visas for a period of 90 days (per period of 180 days). A decision authorising these visas is also due to be taken within 10 days, a Council press release explains. Visas will be free of charge for those visiting Georgian nationals living within the EU, pensioners, students, children and journalists. As for the readmission agreement, this lays down clear obligations and procedures for the authorities of Georgia and of the member states of the EU as to when and how people found on their territory illegally will be sent home. As well as Georgian and EU nationals, these obligations will also cover people from third countries and stateless individuals, if they have a link with the party concerned, by means of a visa or residence permit. A special accelerated procedure is provided for people apprehended in the joint border regions, who can be sent back within a few days. (S.P./transl.fl)