Several members of the European Union are not ready to abolish visa regime with Ukraine because of corruption concerns, a diplomatic source said Friday.
“Some [EU states] consider that the issues of struggle against corruption are raised [during discussion of visa liberalization with Kiev]… There are several member states, which are careful in the issues of visa liberalization independent from the state in question,” the diplomatic source told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The source added that the views on visa-free regime for Ukrainian residents within the Council of the European Union differ.
Ukraine has long sought a visa-free regime with the European Union. The introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens was stated to be a priority for the new authorities in Kiev, after former President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in February 2014.
On December 18, the European Commission said in a statement that Ukraine had completed necessary requirements for visa-free regime with the European Union.