The European Union has eased visa rules for Ukrainian citizens, a move Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych hailed on June 19 as a major step for Ukraine.

Yanukovych and EU officials signed agreements in Luxembourg on June 18 that also spelled out new rules for former Ukrainian citizens living in the EU returning to Ukraine.

Under the new rules, Ukrainian students, children under 18, retirees and several other categories of citizens will now be able to get visas free of charge. Applying for the visas will also be streamlined and Ukrainians will be able to appeal if refused. Ukraine did away with visa requirements for all EU countries two years ago.

The agreement also sets out clear obligations and procedures for the authorities of both Ukraine and the respective EU member state as to when and how to take back people who are illegally residing on their territories. These obligations cover nationals from Ukraine, EU member states and those from third countries and stateless people. The provisions on the readmission of third-country nationals and stateless people becomes applicable in two years.

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