Speaking at a meeting on "Establishing a Community code on visas", organised by the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels on February 28, René van der Linden, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), made a plea for the long-term goal of "a visa-free European continent". According to a press release from the Council of Europe, quoted by Info-Prim Neo, the President of PACE brought the example of Moldova and Romania in the context. "It is sad to note that for citizens from eastern Europe, travel abroad is becoming steadily more difficult, complicated and limited. It was possible in the past for citizens of many eastern European countries to travel freely to the new accession countries. This position has now changed. Moldovans, for example, now have to apply for visas to visit neighbouring Romania, reducing in many cases contacts between members of the same ethnic group living on either side of the frontier," Mr. van der Linden said. According to the cited source, this is a shame, as people-to-people contacts - exchanges of young people, students and professionals - can help to bridge conflicts, and contribute to greater understanding Europe-wide. The official also stated that it is important not to create a divided Europe. “Visa lines should not become a cause for national and international tension, and European citizens should not have to face undue hardships and difficulties in seeking to cross these visa lines. While visas have to remain, as the risk of illegal migration, criminality and other justifications for border controls subside, they should be made available quickly, efficiently and conveniently in keeping with human dignity. The procedure for individual applicants must be consistent, clear and transparent”, PACE President Rene van der Linden said.