Publication

This commentary argues that the Action Plan on visas adopted during the EU-Ukraine summit in November 2010 is a success for Ukraine. It is the first time that Kiev has succeeded in obtaining a definition of the conditions and criteria whose fulfillment will enable Ukraine to apply for the lifting of EU visas for its citizens. The hardest task for Ukraine, however, will be to meet the EU’s expectations concerning values, the condition of Ukrainian democracy, and the rule of law. Hence, the complete abolition of visas seems to be a long-term prospect.