EU to finally approve visa-free regime for Ukraine on May 17

Ukrinform agency reports citing a source in the diplomatic circles that President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko plans to attend the signing ceremony in Strasbourg. "The signing ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 17 in Strasbourg. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko is expected to come to Strasbourg this day," the source said. As reported, May 11, the Council of the European Union will finally approve without discussion the legislative resolution on the inclusion of Ukraine in the list of third countries, whose citizens will no longer have visa requirements. Pursuant to the procedure, the documents should be subsequently signed by President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani and the Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU. Having been published, the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens is to come into force on June 11. 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.