Verkhovna Rada ratifies Visa Facilitation Agreement with EU
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has ratified the Visa Facilitation Agreement with the European Union.
Some 275 of the 350 MPs registered in the parliamentary sitting hall on Friday supported the law on the ratification of the amended Visa Facilitation Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.
According to the document, the visa issuing procedure can be facilitated for drivers engaged in international cargo and passenger transportation, journalists and technical staff accompanying them, participants of official exchange programs organized by the local authorities, close relatives, spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren that are visiting Ukrainian citizens living in the EU member states, or EU citizens, as well as citizens that travel to the EU for medical treatment.
Visa facilitation is also introduced for members of public organizations participating in seminars and conferences, participants of international exhibitions, conference, and symposiums, members of religious communities, and participants of official EU programs for cross-border cooperation.
The document has to be ratified and approved by the sides according to internal procedures and takes effect on the first day of the second month from the date of receipt of the last written notice from the sides about the completion of the procedures.