COREPER to pre-approve visa-free regime for Ukraine without discussion

An employee of the European Commission said this in a commentary to Ukrinform ahead of the COREPER meeting on Wednesday, April 26. "This issue has been put on the agenda of the meeting on April 26. It should be approved without discussion," the source said. April 6, the European Parliament voted for the legislative resolution, allowing visa-free short-term travels to the EU countries for the Ukrainian citizens. Pursuant to the procedure, the decision on granting Ukraine visa-free regime should be approved by the Council of Ministers, which is expected to happen in May. Later, the document is to be signed by the President of the European Parliament and the representative of the Maltese Council Presidency. The decision will come into force on the 20th day after publication. Once the visa waiver for Ukrainians enters into force, and provided citizens of Ukraine have biometric passports, they will be able to enter the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day-period for business, tourist or family purposes. The visa waiver will apply to all EU member states except Ireland and the United Kingdom. It does not confer a right to work in the EU.