Despite a common position on granting visa-free regime to Ukraine, some EU countries hinder this process, particularly France. This was stated in interview to “Observer” the Deputy head of the presidential Administration Konstantin Eliseev.
He hoped that France even before his presidential elections will change its attitude towards visa liberalization for Ukraine.
“The delay was because of the position of individual member countries, which is very difficult to cross the psychological barrier in the area of visa liberalization with one of the largest countries of Europe. Now I would speak only about France. Despite the fact that the French side perceives this fact sensitive, it must be admitted. I hope France won’t delay the technical procedure until the presidential election in April 2017,” – said Elisha.
He added that he considers 2017 as the year of the visa liberalization between Ukraine and the European Union.
Recall, 15 December the European Parliament endorsed the introduction of the mechanism of stay of a visa-free regime between the EU and third countries.
The European Commission has acknowledged that Ukraine has fulfilled all the conditions for visa-free regime.
In the fall of 2016, the draft on granting the right of visa-free travel to Europe for citizens of Ukraine had been approved by the committees of the European Parliament. In November, the decision approved in the EU Council. It is expected that voting on the issue will take place in early 2017.
