EU NEIGHBOURS. On 1 July, the EU–Belarus visa facilitation and readmission agreements entered into force. These agreements are an important step in strengthening the EU’s engagement with the Belarusian people and civil society. They will improve the mobility of citizens, contributing to closer links between the EU and Belarus.
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas said:
“Today marks a concrete step that will bring Europeans and Belarusians closer together. The visa facilitation agreement will allow EU and Belarusian citizens to travel more freely and the agreement on readmission will also contribute to addressing irregular migration, for the benefit of both Belarus and the EU.”
Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson added:
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“These agreements will improve mobility in a well-managed and secure environment. Once the travel restrictions linked to coronavirus ease, it will become easier for Belarusian citizens to come to the EU. This means closer links and exchanges between our people and our societies.”
The visa facilitation agreement makes it easier for Belarusian citizens to obtain short-term visas for the European Union, with the visa fee reduced to €35 and waived for certain categories of travellers.
The main objective of the readmission agreement is to establish procedures for the safe and orderly return of people who reside illegally in the EU or Belarus, in full respect of their rights under international law, in particular, the principle of non-refoulement.
