The “European Movement in Armenia” NGO is concerned by the fact that Armenian citizens face serious difficulties when applying for EU visas. The EMA released a public statement regarding the situation and launched an on-line petition campaign in support of visafacilitation and liberalization that will be sent to the responsible institutions. The Visa Facilitation and Liberalization Petition to the EU and its member States was created and written by Viktor Yengibaryan, President of the European Movement in Armenia NGO. more >>>

In only few hours since its launch hundreds of people have already signed the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/EUVisa/petition.html

Those signing the petition call the attention of the EU consuls and other officials to the treatment of their staff who reject numerous applications without any justification and reason, depriving young people, students and scientists from travelling to the EU member states with the goal of continuing their education or attending seminars or conferences. Students and others are voicing their complaints regarding the actions of various European embassies and consulates.

"We understand why European states create complications in issuing entry visas, and from this standpoint, our states likewise have serious work to do. However, one thing is clear; theincrease in the amount of collaboration between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries can bring about positive changes... And finally, without contact between students, youth, scientists, businessmen and civil society rapprochement cannot take place," said Viktor Yengibaryan.

The European Union’s “Eastern Partnership” program envisages an improvement andsimplification of visa procedures for those wishing to travel to Europe. As to whether or not it will actually beimplemented, only time will tell. The petition states that the citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and EU ask the Member states of the European Union and the European Union to offer all six EaP countries roadmaps towards visa free regimes and wave visa fees as soon as possible. As a first step the petition calls for simplified visa procedures and provision of multiple-entry long term visas.