The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed a long-anticipated proposal by the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU) , to give visa-waiver privileges to Taiwanese travelers to Europe's Schengen area. 'This will not only make it more convenient for Taiwanese travelers, but will stand as recognition of the quality of Taiwanese people and its national development,' the ministry said. After nearly two years of reviewing the idea, the European Commission proposed Monday that Taiwan passport holders be included in the visa-free country list for Schengen nations. The proposal now will require the approval of the European Parliament and Council of Ministers before taking effect. In addition to the 25 European countries under the Schengen Agreement, the visa- free treatment can also be applied to three EU members that are not part of the Schengen area -- Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus. The MOFA said that based on the principle of reciprocity, Taiwan is willing to extend the non-Schengen nations visa-free treatment if it is granted visa-waiver privileges. Taiwan has granted Schengen nations visa-free treatment. 