Brussels, 24/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 23 July, the European Commission signed an amended visa facilitation regime with Ukraine. As the Commission had pointed out several weeks ago, the new amended agreement will allow certain Ukrainian nationals to travel to Europe more easily, at reduced visa charges. The final stage will be that of allowing visa-free travel for all Ukrainian nationals.
The amended agreement was signed in Brussels by the Commission. It will concern representatives from NGOs, civil society, journalists or young people taking part in organised events, for example those organised by non-profit organisations. Amendments must allow them to obtain short stay visas more easily. Regular travellers (journalists or businessmen) may also be issued multiple entry visas valid for longer periods.
The Commission's proposal had been criticised by some MEPs, especially Elmar Brok (EPP, Germany), who did not want the Commission to reward the Ukrainian authorities responsible for the fate inflicted upon the former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko. (SP/transl.jl)