The report was published on December 19. It says that while most partner countries have taken steps to implement the recommendations of previous reports, challenges remain.
“A visa-free regime facilitates mobility and people-to-people contacts, stimulates the travel and tourism sector, and promotes cultural and academic exchange,” the European Commission report said. – It can also promote diplomatic relations and international cooperation. However, when abused, it can create significant migration and security challenges that need to be addressed.”
The report covers developments related to the harmonization of visa policies, migration (including border management and readmission), security and citizenship in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries. It includes specific recommendations for each country.
The report states that Moldova has taken steps to implement the Commission’s previous recommendations. However, further progress is needed, especially in the following areas: visa policy compliance and unsubstantiated asylum claims.
In the first case, the recommendation is as follows: Moldova should bring its visa policy in line with the European list of countries whose nationals require a visa, in particular with regard to states that pose an irregular migration or security threat to the EU. Pending full compliance, Moldova should continue and intensify its strict vetting of third-country nationals exempted from visa requirements, especially those coming from high-risk countries.
Moldova should also step up efforts to address the continuing number of unsubstantiated asylum claims by its nationals in EU member states. This could include targeted information campaigns tailored to relevant migrant profiles, as well as the introduction of exit border controls to improve tracking and deterrence.
