Ukrainians without visas to Europe

brussels - Ukrainians of biometric passports from next summer to visa-free travel to Europe. Every six months, they may be in the EU ninety days, but work is not allowed.

The European Parliament gave the green light Thursday before Strasbourg. Member States must agree officially with it, but that is a formality. The measure could provide a boost to tourism and business traffic. If there is abuse of the visa can be reinstated within two months.

The European Commission found a year ago that the country with some 45 million inhabitants meets the conditions. According to committee chairman Jean-Claude Juncker is ' a common interest to make it easier for our citizens to travel to each other's countries. ' Ukraine lifted the visa requirement already in 2005 for EU citizens.

The visa waiver is separate from the association agreement between the EU and Ukraine, where Dutch voted against it in a referendum last year.