The second progress report on the implementation by Ukraine of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation (VLAP) has been released by the European Commission. The Action Plan, setting out all the technical conditions to be met by Ukraine before the possible establishment of a visa-free travel regime, covers the period since November 2010, when it was endorsed by the Council and welcomed by the leaders at the EU-Ukraine Summit.
The report takes note “of the overall satisfactory implementation of the EU-Ukraine Readmission and Visa Facilitation Agreements.” However, certain issues, it adds, “including the situation of third-country nationals readmitted to Ukraine under the agreement, remain subject to further examination.”
Overall, the report covers four blocks of issues relevant to the visa dialogue:
document security, including biometrics;
irregular migration, including readmission;
public order and security;
external relations and fundamental rights.
This Second Progress Report reflects the state of play until November 2011. Once Ukraine has provided the additional information and clarifications requested, the Commission will present an updated report, as well as “a wider assessment of possible migratory and security impacts of future visa liberalization for Ukrainian citizens travelling to the EU.” (ENPI Info Centre)
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