Overall, the number of Schengen visas issued to Armenian citizens has increased, but it is necessary to work towards reducing the rate of visa refusals. Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission of the European Union (EU), stated this during the presentation of the report on the implementation of the visa liberalization action plan with the EU on Wednesday in Yerevan.

According to Luchner, significant progress has been recorded in a very short period of time in the process of liberalizing the visa regime between Armenia and the EU. At the same time, he reminded that this process requires the fulfillment of numerous conditions and requirements.

Luchner recalled that at the end of the process, the European Commission and Armenia must convince the 27 EU countries that the process is realistic and complete. In addition, the process must receive the approval of the European Parliament.

What will happen if this process is carried out at an accelerated pace, but the visa-free regime does not work effectively? That is why quality is chosen, the European Commission official said.

He acknowledged that there are difficulties with the issuance of visas by EU countries, adding that this is a global phenomenon and includes other parties besides Armenia. The consular services of embassies of various countries have made efforts to increase the number of their employees and solve this problem, Luchner added.

Source: https://news.am/en/news/1036908