Chisinau expects derogation from Brussels for 500 euros needed by Moldovans to enter Romania
The Government of Moldova is not angry with the Romanian Senate for rejecting a bill that proposed allowing the Moldovan travelers to obtain visas for Romania without needing to prove that they have 500 euros, Info-Prim Neo reports.
“I want to comment on the Senate's decision as it was a logical one. The condition to present the 500 euros is an EU norm. Our actions must be in accordance with the reality, not the feelings,” Prime Minister Vlad Filat said during a news conference on Tuesday.
According to Vlad Filat, it would be wrong to impose such a burden on Romania. “We have to obtain a derogation from the European Commission and take measures in this respect. The issue will be discussed with the EU administration and commissioners during a visit to Brussels. I hope we will obtain a positive answer,” he said.
A EU ordinance to oblige the Moldovan citizens to have 500 euros for crossing the border was put into practice by the Romanian Embassy in Chisinau in June 2009. The rule says that in order to obtain a visa for Romania, which is an EU member state, the Moldovan citizens must prove that they have at least 500 euros or the equivalent in convertible currency that can be used during the period of stay.
During the recent visit to Chisinau, Romanian President Traian Basescu promised he will make effort to convince the Parliament of his country to adopt a law that would spare the Moldovans from the obligation to prove that they have 500 euros.