Visa: Welcome to visa-free Europe, Ukraine!

As of today, 11 June 2017, visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens within the European Union comes into effect. Paneuropa Austria welcomes this achievement!

“The abolition of visa requirements for Ukraine was a long overdue step,” comments Karl von Habsburg, President of the Paneuropean Movement Austria, on this historic moment. As of today, visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens in the EU are lifted.

For Paneuropa, the oldest European unification movement, freedom of movement and the associated abolition of visa requirements for European citizens is one of the most important principles. Visas for European citizens within Europe are among the last remnants of the Cold War’s “wall-building policy”.

“Above all, the young people in Ukraine are the driving force behind comprehensive reforms in the country. Giving them the opportunity to travel to and get to know Europe is an important signal,” states Philipp Jauernik, Federal Chairman of Paneuropa Youth Austria.

For years, Paneuropa has emphasised Ukraine’s European perspective and highlighted the necessity of reforms such as the elimination of corruption and the establishment of the rule of law. The progress achieved has now been decisive in the EU member states’ decision to lift travel restrictions.

As early as 2006, the Paneuropean Union clearly stated its position on travel restrictions at its General Assembly in Strasbourg: “The Paneuropean Union is committed to the principle of freedom of travel for Europeans within Europe. We therefore demand the abolition of all bureaucratic and other travel barriers – especially visas – for the citizens of all European states within Europe,” it declared then – and that still holds true today.