Moldova is becoming the first of the Eastern Partnership countries to get visa liberalisation for travelling to Schengen, rapporteur for visa liberalization for Moldova Tanja Fajon said after the adoption of the report in the Committee for Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs on February 12, IPN reports.
“Moldova has met all the conditions and I sincerely congratulate Moldova for its efforts, taking a first step on its European path. With the entry into the visa-free regime, dreams will come true for the citizens of Moldova, this historical step will strengthen not only economic and political cooperation but especially people-to-people contact,” said Tanja Fajon.
She also said that negotiations with Moldova lasted for more than three years. This is an important milestone for Moldova, which the country truly deserves. “I have visited Chisinau recently and I have seen the achievements of the authorities of the demanding work in strengthening border controls, security of travel documents and the fight against human trafficking, organised crime and corruption,” stated the rapporteur.
According to Tanja Fajon, the decision on the future of the Moldovan people will also depend on the outcome of the parliamentary elections to be held in November this year in the Country, and of course the signature of the Association Agreement between the EU and Moldova. The EU will closely monitor the developments, especially in light of the protests in Ukraine, which have been on-going for several months due to the refusal of signing the Association Agreement.
“The abolition of visa requirements for holders of Moldovan biometric passports in no way threatens the sovereignty of Moldova, as I have repeatedly pointed out during the January official visit to the country. On the contrary, I am convinced that this will also contribute to resolve internal issues!” stated Tanja Fajon.
The European Parliament is expected to give the final green light for the abolition of visas for Moldova in the plenary session in Strasbourg at the end of February; Council of Ministers could then approve its decision in the beginning of March. “The Moldovan citizens could by the summer already travel to the Schengen area visa-free,” closed Tanja Fajon.
The report refers to the abolition of visas for short stays (for up to 90 days in six months) in the Schengen area for Moldovans who possess biometric passports.
