"Under the new law, Ukrainians who hold a biometric passport will be able to enter the EU without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism, to visit relatives or friends, or for business purposes, but not to work," the statement said.
"Ukraine has achieved all the benchmarks, so the visa requirement should be lifted," parliament member and rapporteur for the proposal Mariya Gabriel was quoted as saying in the statement.
She characterized the decision as "another very strong message that Ukraine is a key partner for the European Union in the Eastern Partnership."
"Exciting news! With 521 votes for, European Parliament just approved visa-free arrangement for Ukraine. My congratulations!" Groysman wrote on his official Twitter account.
According to the press release, Ukraine’s visa exemption was supported by 521 votes, opposed by 75 members of parliament, while 36 abstained. The legislation is now to undergo the formal adoption by the Council of Ministers, after which it is likely to enter into force in June, 20, days after it is published in the EU Official Journal, the statement noted.
