Brussels, 12/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 12 February, the European Commission approved legal instruments aimed at setting up a visa-free system between the EU and six countries: Antigua, Barbuda, the Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, Barbados and Seychelles. The Commission approves the draft Council Decisions on the signature and conclusion of short-stay visa waiver agreements with these six countries. Vice-President Jacques Barrot, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Liberty and Security, declared, “Sometimes Europe is unfairly named 'Fortress Europe'. Today, I have the pleasure of announcing the launch of the procedure to ratify agreements which will facilitate travel between the EU Member States and Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, Barbados and Seychelles. This is great news for nationals of these countries and EU citizens who will soon be able to travel to these countries without requiring short stay visas". The agreements provide for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of the six countries - holders of all passports (diplomatic, service and ordinary) - between their territories for stays not exceeding three months. The agreements cover all category of travellers, except for the category of persons travelling for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity, for whom each Member State and also the six countries remain free to impose the visa requirement in accordance with the applicable Community or national law. About 800.000 European citizens travel to these countries per year. The Proposals on signature and conclusion are to be submitted to the Council for adoption. The European Parliament is consulted on the draft decisions on the conclusion of the agreements. (B.C./trans/rh)