The 8th meeting of the EU-Belarus Coordination Group has been held in Brussels. Following the bilateral meeting, a number of issues were considered, including the signing of an agreement on visa facilitation and readmission, the EU press release informs.
The meeting of the EU-Belarus coordination group was held in Brussels on 17-18 December. During the working meetings the sides discussed a number of issues, including human rights. In addition, the EU reiterated its opposition to the death penalty and called for a moratorium.
The Coordination Group also discussed the EU assistance to Belarus. Following the meeting, on December 19, the EU Council began negotiations on a customs cooperation and mutual administrative assistance agreement with Belarus.
Visa issues
Among other things, Brussels reminded that the EU Visa Code will come into force on February 2, 2020, according to which the visa fee will increase to 80 euros. However, this increase is called temporary by the EU. After the Agreement on visa facilitation enters into force, the visa fee for Belarusians will be automatically reduced from €80 to €35.
According to TUT.BY, on December 19, the EU Council approved the signing of an agreement on readmission with Belarus. However, it must be published in the Official Journal of the EU to enter into force.
The EU invited Belarus to sign an agreement on readmission in January 2020.
Earlier, it was suggested that the project would be signed during the visit of the EU head of diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, to Minsk on October 4. However, the visit was cancelled.
