BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – The unnamed source noted that the visa liberalization process as one of the concessions in exchange for Ankara’s assistance in curbing migrant numbers was conditional on the biometric passport requirement.
Brussels and Ankara are expected to hammer out the provisional agreement envisioning a one-for-one exchange of undocumented migrants in Europe for approved Syrian refugees in Turkey at the March 17-18 European Council.
In return, the European Union pledged to provide a total of three billion euros (over $3.3 billion) to Turkey for dealing with refugees, with a possible further 3 billion-euro allocation.
Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said ahead of the summit Ankara had fulfilled 35 out of 72 requirements toward lifting the visa regime.
