European Commission throws weight behind visa-free travel for Turkish nationals
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The European Commission on Wednesday threw its weight behind a deal to allow Turkish citizens visa-free travel around the European Union, a decree that could go into effect at the end of June.
Of the 72 conditions imposed by the EU Turkey successfully met 58. With the commission’s vote behind it, the agreement is almost certain to get through.
If it succeeds, Turkish citizens will be able to visit Europe without a visa for stays of up to 180 days every year.
Once Turkey meets all conditions imposed by the EU, Ankara will have the right to becoming a permanent member of the EU – its longtime ambition.
"Turkey has made impressive progress, particularly in recent weeks, on meeting the benchmarks of its visa liberalization roadmap,” European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans was quoted a saying in Brussels on Wednesday.
Of the 72 conditions imposed by the EU Turkey successfully met 58. With the commission’s vote behind it, the agreement is almost certain to get through.
If it succeeds, Turkish citizens will be able to visit Europe without a visa for stays of up to 180 days every year.
Once Turkey meets all conditions imposed by the EU, Ankara will have the right to becoming a permanent member of the EU – its longtime ambition.
"Turkey has made impressive progress, particularly in recent weeks, on meeting the benchmarks of its visa liberalization roadmap,” European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans was quoted a saying in Brussels on Wednesday.