European Parliament approves visa-free travel for Ukrainians:
By RFE/RL
BRUSSELS -- The European Parliament has approved visa liberalization for Ukraine, a crucial step toward enabling Ukrainians to travel to the European Union without obtaining visas.
The measure passed on April 6 by a vote of 521 to 75, with 36 EU lawmakers abstaining.
EU member states must also approve visa liberalization for Ukraine before the measure enters into force.
Ambassadors representing the 28 EU member states are expected to approve the deal when they meet in Brussels on April 26, and EU sources have told RFE/RL that EU ministers are expected to rubber-stamp the decision on May 11.
The deal would be sealed in a signing ceremony expected shortly after that.
Diplomats have expressed hope that the visa-free regime will enter into force in mid-June.
Many in Ukraine, which saw Russia seize Crimea in 2014 and has been mired in a deadly conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the east for three years, see the visa deal as a symbol of closer ties to the EU.
The decision will apply to all Ukrainian citizens who have biometric passports. They will be able to enter most EU member states for up to 90 days during any 180-day period.
Visa-free travel to the EU for citizens of Georgia, another former Soviet republic under pressure from Russia, began on March 28. (w/Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels)
In today's Daily Vertical, Brian Whitmore reflects on the tthird anniversary of Russia's efforts to dismember Ukraine:
Trump, Merkel confer on conflicts in Afghanistan, eastern Ukraine:
U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken by telephone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel about issues of "mutual concern and interest," including the conflicts in eastern Ukraine and Afghanistan, the White House says.
The two leaders "pledged close cooperation and coordination on these and other issues" and agreed to remain in close contact, the White House said on April 5.
Trump and Merkel met for the first time on March 17 at the White House, at which time Merkel said she would continue Germany's military participation in the NATO mission in Afghanistan.
On many issues, including the refugee crisis and trade, however, Merkel has been at odds with Trump.
The U.S. leader in campaigning for office severely criticized Merkel's policy of admitting thousands of refugees and from Syria, Afghanistan, and other war-torn countries into Germany.
But since meeting with Merkel, Trump has not repeated his criticisms and instead has appeared to cultivate closer ties with the leader of Europe's biggest economy. (dpa, Reuters)