Moldovans start visa-free travel to EU
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 28 April 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Moldovans start visa-free travel to EU, 28 April 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a137c311.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 28.04.2014 06:17
By RFE/RL
Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca says EU-inspired reforms and visa-free travel for Moldovans are the best hope of resolving the "frozen conflict" of Transdniester, arguing they would make Moldova more attractive to those in the rebel region.
BRUSSELS – As of April 28, Moldovans with a biometric passport can travel to the Schengen zone without visas, becoming the first of the six Eastern Partnership countries to do so.
Both the European Parliament and EU member states approved the measure in March after nearly four years of negotiations.
The EU commissioner responsible for home affairs, Cecilia Malmstrom, said the decision "will further facilitate people-to-people contacts and strengthen business, social, and cultural ties between the European Union and Moldova."
Moldova's pro-European Prime Minister Iurie Leanca has said EU-inspired reforms and visa-free travel for Moldovans are the best hope of resolving the "frozen conflict" of Transdniester, arguing they would make Moldova more attractive to those in the rebel region.
The step comes as the European Union has said in response to the Ukraine crisis it will press ahead with deeper ties with Eastern European nations in defiance of Russia.
With reporting by Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
