The European Commission urges Moldova to fight corruption to further benefit from visa-free regime in the European Union
On Wednesday, The European Commission addressed to several Western European and Eastern European non-EU countries, including the Republic of Moldova, that in order to continue to benefit from the visa waiver regime for their citizens traveling to the EU, they need to make more efforts to combat corruption, organized crime and illegal migration. Citizens from Albania, Bosnia, Georgia, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine can travel without a visa to the European Union. These countries are largely in line with the EU’s conditions for visa liberalization, but the European Commission mentions in its annual report that “immediate” action is needed in order to maintain this regime.
The document draws attention to the fact that all eight states have to do more to fight organized crime and the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are being asked to take “immediate action” against corruption. The Republic of Moldova is the only country among the eight that the European Commission asks it to take urgent measures against money laundering and corruption.
“Visa non-eligibility for our Eastern European and Western Balkan partners is a great success for both sides. But it also comes with responsibilities,” European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos told the press in Brussels.
He called for “rapid and sustained efforts to continue to reduce illegal migration and combat corruption and organized crime.”
Illegal migration to the EU from Ukraine, Serbia and Bosnia remains high, while the growing number of ungrounded asylum claims by Moldovan and Georgian citizens is causing concern, the report said. The European Commission welcomed Albania’s efforts to reduce illegal migration and Serbia’s decision to lift visa liberalization for Iranians, but expressed concern over its agreements with other countries on travel arrangements, as there is a risk of facilitating access to the EU for citizens of third countries.
20 December 2018
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