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EU/Ukraine Visa Facilitation Agreement: amendments and additions

2012/0138(NLE)

PURPOSE: to conclude the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Moldova on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2013/297/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Community and Ukraine on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2012/428/EU, the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Community and Ukraine on the facilitation of the issuance of visas was signed on 23 July 2012, subject to its conclusion.

It is now appropriate to approve the agreement on behalf of the European Union.

CONTENT: by means of this Decision, the Agreement between the European Community and Ukraine on the facilitation of the issuance of visas, which entered into force on 1 January 2008, is amended as follows:

  • simplified requirements for documents to be presented regarding the purpose of the journey for certain categories of applicants;
  • clarification of the provisions on the period of validity of multiple-entry visas for certain categories of applicants;
  • the possibility of charging a fee of EUR 70 in case of urgent applications;
  • a full waiving of the visa fee for certain categories of applicants;
  • the possibility for an external service provider, with whom a Member State cooperates in view of issuing a visa, to charge a service fee of up to EUR 30;
  • the requirement that appointments for lodging an application, where required, shall, as a rule, take place within a period of two weeks from the date when the appointment was requested;
  • the exemption from the visa requirement for short stays for the citizens of Ukraine who are holders of biometric service passports.

It should be noted that in response to a specific request from Ukraine, a declaration on behalf of the European Union is annexed to the amending agreement in respect of:

  • documents to be submitted when applying for short stay visas;
  • facilitations for family members not covered by the legally binding provisions of the Visa Facilitation Agreement.

Territorial measures: the specific situations of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom are reflected in the preamble of the amending agreement. The association of Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis is reflected in a Joint Declaration to the amending Agreement.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision enters into force on 13.05.2013. The date of the entry into force of the agreement shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.