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The Eurieoan Union has started discussions on amending the Schengen Borders Code, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Świtalski told reporters on Monday, commenting on the talks about possible changes in the conditions of issuing a Schengen visa.

According to the official, the EU ambassadors have approved the mandate of the negotiations, but they are ongoing, which means no decision has been taken regarding the Schengen Code.

Meantime, MR Świtalski stressed the proposal for changes has to be harmonised with the position of the EU Commission. “The EU Commission is looking at the proposal. It has six months to take a view. I will not now comment upon it because we are still far from the conclusion phase. It is because of the strong migration pressure,” he said.

According to the ambassador, everyone also in Armenia has deep understanding that Europeans have to look how to protect their borders and introduce elements of protective regime, which would enable them to better control the people’s movement.

He reminded that Armenia is enjoying the status of being in the visa facilitation mode. “So, there will be no change in the practices and also, I believe, in the fees charged which are reduced charge. Visa facilitation arrangement [with Armenia] will not be changed,” he stressed.