Moldovans to begin visiting Europe without visas in several years
In several years' time, Republic of Moldova citizens will be able to go to European Union countries without entry visas, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Union's Commissioner for External Relations and the European Neighbourhood Policy, stated at a press briefing on Chisinau last Friday.
She voiced hope visa facilitation negotiations will kick off as early as December 21 in the framework of a session of the EU-RM Cooperation Council.
In her words, the dialog presupposes the identification - by European and local experts - of the shortcomings and irregularities existing in the current border management system, their elimination, and struggle against trafficking in human beings through implementation of corresponding reforms.
The EU Commissioner said that in a perspective, the European Union stands ready for negotiations on a free trade zone. Presently, EU experts are examining the level of Moldova's possibilities in this field, though she presumes it is clear even now that perspectives are good. Now the Moldovan government must demonstrate its ability to implement reforms necessary for modernization.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner stressed that currently the EU Council of Ministers, the only body eligible to decide concerning European Union enlargement, is against a further EU enlargement.
Nevertheless, she said, the future is unpredictable. Moldova should work hard to put reforms into life, and the Council may change its opinion.
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