Chisinau does not expect negative reactions from any of the EU member states as regards the proposal to abolish the visa regime for Moldovans, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair and European Integration Natalia Gherman said in an interview for Radio Free Europe, IPN reports.

“In the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit, the problem of visa regime liberalization will not be addressed in an individual way, for a partner state. But after the summit, the European Commission pledged to submit the legislative proposal to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, in accordance with the procedures existing in the EU. For the time being, we do not expect negative reactions from any of the EU member states,” said the minister.

Natalia Gherman stated it is hard to say exactly when a decision about the abolition of the visa regime is taken. But it should be approved by the end of the term of the current European legislature, which is by the end of next March. She added she is optimistic that this will happen following the recommendation made by the European Commission.

If such a decision is made, all the Moldovans with biometric passports will be able to travel visa-free. Asked if the price of passports may be reduced, the minister said the price of the Moldovan biometric passport is the most reasonable compared with other states from the Central and Southeastern Europe.

The minister also said that the liberalized visa regime for Moldovans means short-stay visits of 90 days within half a year in the Schengen area, either without interruption or cumulatively.