(BRATISLAVA) - Slovakia's parliament approved on Wednesday an agreement with eastern neighbour Ukraine aimed at easing border formalities for citizens living near the frontier between the two countries.

Border crossings in both directions have become more difficult following Slovakia's entry into the European passport-free Schengen zone last December, with Ukraine outside the 27-state club.

The new agreement allows citizens living near the border visa-free travel to their neighbour up to 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the frontier for a maximum 30 days for social, cultural, economical or family grounds based on a special long-term permit.

It also sets a limit of 90 days in the neighbouring country during any 180-day period.

Foreign ministers signed the agreement at the end of May. The Ukrainian parliament has still to approve it, according to the Slovak foreign ministry spokesman Jan Skoda.

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