European Parliament committee approves Ukraine visa-free travel

A European Parliament committee approved on March 9 a resolution that includes Ukraine in its list of countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry. 39 members of the civil liberties, justice and human affairs committee were in favor, four were against and one abstained. The European Parliament will vote on the resolution on April 5, the eurointegration.com.ua news site reported. Final approval is with the EU Council, which has already pledged its support and expects the visa-free regime to be active as early as June.

Zenon Zawada: After the European Parliament approved visa-free travel for Georgian citizens in February, we expect a positive vote in April for Ukrainians. Visa-free travel might give a boost to the struggling Ukrainian economy as it will make doing business with the EU easier. For the Poroshenko administration, which is highly unpopular, it will serve as a valve that will release pressure from restless youth, who will try to create opportunities for themselves in the EU rather than engage in political activity.