On Thursday 6 April, the European Parliament adopted the visa waiver regime for Ukrainian nationals. In theory, they will be able to travel within the Schengen area without a visa for up to three months as from June. The new rules were adopted by 521 votes in favour with 75 against and 36 abstentions.
The dossier was suspended in 2016 following the decision on the visa waiver regime suspension mechanism, which the Council of the EU wanted to negotiate at the same time, in an effort to provide a safeguard in the event of irregularities arising in beneficiary countries.
According to this new legislation, Ukrainian biometric passport holders will be able to travel in the EU for a period of 90 out of 180 days for tourist or professional purposes, as well as to visit family or friends but they will not be able to work. The exemption applies to Union countries (except islands in the United Kingdom), as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Sweden.
The rapporteur, Mariya Gabriel (EPP, Bulgaria), said this step will enhance ties between the EU and Ukraine, which are “strategic partners” in the East European neighbourhood initiative.
The regulations still need to be formally adopted by the Council of Ministers. It is expected to enter into force in June, 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)