Slovakia supporting Ukraine in its EU integration process

Slovakia is supporting Ukraine in its attempts to join the EU, stated Slovak President Andrej Kiska in his speech at the border crossing of Vyšné Nemecké (Košice region)-Užhhorod (Ukraine) while meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko on Sunday. Kiska was speaking on the occasion of the introduction of the visa-free regime between the EU and Ukraine that came into force on Sunday. According to Kiska, the visa liberalisation is a great thing not only for Ukraine, but also for the EU and Slovakia. "I'm convinced that along with our western neighbours and with their support, Ukraine will be able to fulfil its European dream and the reform process as soon as possible," stated Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko. The EU member states approved Ukraine's request for visa-free travel last month in Strasbourg. This means that Ukrainians holding biometric passports can travel to the Schengen zone without a visa for short stays (90 days). However, the visa liberalisation does not give Ukrainians the right to work within the EU.