You're reading: EurActiv.com: German MEP opposes visa liberalisation with Ukraine

In what appears to be a further toughening of Germany's position on Ukraine, a leading MEP close to Chancellor Angela Merkel has opposed the Commission’s move towards a visa facilitation agreement.

MEP Elmar Brok, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and a member of Merkel’s CDU party, warned that the European Commission should cancel its plans for a visa facilitation opening with Ukraine, at least until after the 28 October elections.

Brok said in a statement yesterday (2 July) that the conclusion of a visa facilitation agreement with Ukraine “would be the wrong thing to do. EU policy towards Ukraine should be firm and consistent and continue to insist on clear commitments from the Ukrainian authorities towards democratic values and the rule of law.”

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