What for Ukraine means a visa-free regime with the EU?

So, it happened. One of the goals of the Maidan has been achieved. Rather, there are two steps left to it, but this is already a formality. Ukrainians will be able to travel to Europe this summer on a regular passport, not caring to put it in print. It will not be necessary to stand in lines at the consular departments and pay a 35 euro fee. But not even in the money business. Ukraine seems to have become part of Europe. This is the meaning of the enthusiastic comments given by the highest leaders of the state to the results of voting in the European Parliament. So, President Poroshenko said something, rejoicing at the success. But are these words consistent with objective reality?

Basic provisions of the official version

For quite some time, more than three years, the people of Ukraine were told that the introduction of a visa-free regime would mark not only the beginning of the road to EU membership, but also the passage of a large part of it. This will help develop business contacts, increase the effectiveness of the free trade zone with the EU, which is now in-depth and comprehensive. In addition, confidence between the border services of the EU member states and Ukraine will be significantly strengthened, since the exchange of operational information along with joint risk analysis will occur more quickly.

And how to forget about tourism, related ties of citizens, business, scientific cooperation and intercultural dialogue? Practically visa-free is almost a membership in the EU. It will allow Ukrainians to feel like real Europeans. Previously, only the elite could cross the western border, and now - everything! This is a historic event, after which another relative will appear in the fraternal family of peoples. Approximately in this vein, the prospects for visa-free travel were commented on, and now the heat of ecstasy reached its apogee.

For which countries does the visa-free regime operate with the EU?

When the goal is reached, the moment of objective evaluation of the result comes. The reality is that, to the European prospects, the visa-free regime has no direct relationship. It operates between the European Union and the good fifty states of the world. The last of these were Georgia and Moldova, but before that, citizens of different countries, including the Dominican Republic, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Honduras, had free access to the Schengen area , Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua and then on a long list. Taking a globe or a political map of the world, everyone can be sure, then not all these states are European, and their inhabitants do not always think about joining a kind of "single family of peoples". Just citizens of these countries can come to the EU, observing certain rules.

What is a visa-free regime?

The sense of the order of crossing the border is that citizens of some states have the right to cross the border of the European Union and stay on its territory 90 days for every 180 days. In other words, about three months in six months, not necessarily continuously, it is possible by parts, but in total not longer. If for some reason you need to stay, then the visa will have to be issued. Time it can be used to stay with relatives (if any), visit museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural institutions. If someone wants to satisfy his delicate gastronomic preferences, then this too - please. Interest in architecture and historical monuments is encouraged. In general, there are no restrictions in terms of tourism. But in general they are.

What can not be done without a visa?

Restrictions refer to the right to work and other activities related to income generation. Educational and research intentions, although much has been said about them, is also not related to visa-free travel. Programs for students and graduate students exist, but entry into the EU countries for them is provided through consular registration. As for businessmen, they can come to Europe in their own affairs, as they like (but the rule of ninety days to them in this case also applies), but it's hard to imagine a solid entrepreneur who does not have 35 euros for a visa. Any citizen of Ukraine who plans to get a job, arriving in the framework of a visa-free regime, will be considered illegal, he will be deported and put on a special list, after which he will be able to forget about visiting Europe for a very long time.

What is the "Schengen calculator"?

The residence time of each foreigner in the EU is automatically calculated. If someone thinks he can "get lost in the crowd" without a visa to the Schengen zone, and, having settled into a quiet illegal job, to live for years in the "western paradise", he is very mistaken. After the expiration of the due period, they will begin to look for him and, probably, will find him. After that, the name of such a cunning person, again, will be on the list of undesirable persons. He will not be able to travel to Europe for a long time without a visa, and with her. And if there are a lot of such clever people, then, according to the well-developed suspension mechanism, the visa will be closed for all citizens of Ukraine.

Who was against?

Representatives of not all EU countries supported the introduction of a visa-free regime with Ukraine. Formally, Kiev fulfilled the conditions set for it, and there were many of them, more than a hundred, but the quality ... The MEPs have well-founded fears about the possible growth of crime and large-scale illegal migration. Initially, France, Italy and Germany objected, and the Netherlands can not be reminded, there the matter reached the referendum. The most active enemy is now considered to be Paris, and if there are any delays in the implementation of the latest procedures, the reasons they can be sought in this European capital.

Can they just be taken and not allowed?

As such, "face control" on the border of the European Union is not practiced, and if a country has concluded an agreement on visa-free entry, in the vast majority of cases it is observed. That is, bureaucratic arbitrariness in the form of unreasonable refusal can not be feared. It's another matter if there are any reasons for it. These may include:

- Absence of a return ticket with the appropriate "Schengen calculator" on the date of departure.

- Uncertain answer to the question about the purpose of the trip.

- Suspicuous contents of hand luggage.

- Being in the "black list" of violators of visa-free regime.

- Uncertainty of residence in the country of arrival.

- Lack of the right amount of money.

- Other legal grounds for refusal.

Where can I go?

The agreement on visa-free regime was signed with 26 countries that are members of the Schengen zone. In addition, Ukrainians Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria will be allowed to enter the country, as these countries claim to enter the "Schengen club". A special situation is for Switzerland, which is not part of the EU, but is ready to support the collective decision after its final approval.

Attitude to the joyful event of ordinary citizens

As shown by the survey conducted on the "hot" channel of News One, enthusiastically perceived the possible introduction in the near future (in summer) of the introduction of visa-free travel by only 10-15% of respondents. Not all of them are probably preparing for exciting trips, but someone may be happy for others, more fortunate, fellow citizens or proud of the achievements of their native country due to the high level of national identity. Those who could really travel to the European Union before, objectively became less, which is due mainly to the difficult economic situation. All others show indifference or, in other words, complete indifference. The revealed attitude completely agrees with the moods of Moldovan citizens, who in their majority do not consider that the introduction of visa-free travel has improved their lives.