EU proposes to lift visas for Ukrainians, hopes for change 'soon'

Ukrainian and EU flags fly in front of the Presidential Administration in Kiev, Ukraine, April 7, 2016. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said he hoped that visa requirements for Ukrainians could be lifted "very, very soon" following Wednesday's legislative proposal by the EU executive.

The proposal to allow short-term tourist and business travel for Ukrainians holding biometric passports had been expected and now requires endorsement by EU member states and the European Parliament.