Citizens from Georgia and Ukraine can visit Europe visa-free

50 million people in Georgia and Ukraine can now travel to 26 European destinations in the Schengen zone without a visa. The agreement between EU and officials from the two countries has been signed on December 8th.

After months of negotiations, the yet to be implemented deal was considerably delayed, as Georgia was waiting for an answer since last year’s December and Ukraine since April 2016.

According to the opinion of Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, the credibility of the EU was nearly compromised due to the detains. Constant xenophobia and anti-immigration wave in Europe were considered to be the main reasons for the delay of deliberations.

With the new agreement on the table, Ukraine and Georgia join the more than 50 nationalities community in the Schengen area. Nevertheless, countries such as Germany and France consider the political risky situation, as they fear the increase of the terrorist risk.

Despite concerns, EU advantages from the new pact are significant: free travel for Georgians and Ukrainians might imply the citizens of these countries to easier align with European standards, one step away from the Russian influence. However, according to the consensus terms, the deal can be revoked for up to nine months if Europe will be overwhelmed by mass arrivals or asylum solicitations.

Similar negotiations for visa-free status are currently taking place between EU and Kosovo and Turkey.