Turkey 'Won't Get EU Visa Waiver This Year' - Commissioner

EU Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society Guenther Oettinger during a press conference after a College meeting in Brussels, Belgium, May 25, 2016. EPA/BGNES

EU Commissioner G?nther Oettinger has predicted that Brussels will not stick to the deal reached with Turkey on the migrant crisis and lift visa requirements for its nationals by the end of the year.

Oettinger, who is in charge of Digital Economy and Society, has opined it is unlikely for such a decision to be taken in 2016, in the aftermath of a foiled coup d'etat.

While noting the draft law on lifting visa requirements is being debated in the European Parliament right now, he has made clear: "But I predict that we won't have regulation on visa-free travel before the end of the year," according to Reuters.

EU politicians have been speculating that Turkey's response to the coup might even call into question the continuation of accession negotiations.

The opening of key EU accession chapters, alongside commitment to removing visa restrictions, were among the conditions set by Turkey in order to stem the flow of migrants trying to reach Europe by crossing its borders.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!