Daniel Vodă: Moldovans have no reason to worry about the new mechanism for suspending the EU visa-free regime
There is no reason for concern among the citizens of the Republic of Moldova regarding the visa regime with the European Union, said Government spokesperson Daniel Vodă, referring to the new mechanism for suspending the visa-free regime approved by the European Parliament on October 7.
“I would like to clarify things simply and directly: there is no reason for concern among the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The European Union has created a mechanism that allows it to react quickly, if necessary, regarding the visa regime with various states,” said Vodă after Wednesday’s Government meeting.
According to the Government spokesperson, citizens of the Republic of Moldova respect the rules of travel within the EU, as confirmed by reports on the implementation of the visa liberalization regime.
“It is important that we continue our European path with confidence and respect for the rules that bring us closer to the European Union,” Daniel Vodă concluded.
On October 7, the European Parliament adopted a legislative initiative amending the mechanism for suspending the visa-free regime in the European Union. Under the new rules, the European Commission may temporarily, and later permanently, reintroduce visa requirements for citizens of countries that raise justified concerns.
The reform covers 61 states, including the Republic of Moldova, which currently enjoys visa-free access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The new legislation adds further criteria for suspending the visa-free regime beyond the existing ones and allows restrictions on specific categories of individuals, such as government officials deemed responsible for human rights violations or other serious offences. To take effect, the new mechanism must be formally adopted by the EU Council and published.
