Kyiv, 3 July 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Poland's Prime Minister Leszek Miller promised today to introduce a favorable visa regime for Ukrainians after Poland joins the European Union in 2004. Interfax news agency quotes Miller as saying that the goal of the Polish government is to prepare a visa-regime system that will not become a barrier for exchange of people and goods.
He spoke after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Anatoliy Kinakh in the western Ukrainian town of Kolomyia. Officials from both countries in Kolomyia discussed possibilities of issuing multientry and inexpensive visas for Ukrainian travelers once the Polish border becomes part of the EU's eastern frontier.
Tighter visa rules are a key requirement for EU membership. Poland, however, is eager not to alienate Ukraine or Russia, which are its major trade partners.
He spoke after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Anatoliy Kinakh in the western Ukrainian town of Kolomyia. Officials from both countries in Kolomyia discussed possibilities of issuing multientry and inexpensive visas for Ukrainian travelers once the Polish border becomes part of the EU's eastern frontier.
Tighter visa rules are a key requirement for EU membership. Poland, however, is eager not to alienate Ukraine or Russia, which are its major trade partners.