The European Parliament has adopted a decision to allow citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and FYR Macedonia to travel visa-free to the bloc as of Dec.19, while calling for visa liberalization for the citizens of Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina by next year.
The Parliament also recommended starting similar visa dialogue with Kosovo.
On Nov. 30, the EU Council is expected to approve the decision, which will waive visa requirements in Serbia, Montenegro and FYROM for stays of less than 90 days in EU countries, excluding the UK and Ireland.
Visa liberalization is a step towards eventual EU membership.
The EU's executive arm had previously proposed a visa-free regime for those three Balkan countries, but Albania and Bosnia did not qualify.
"Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina must catch up on the reforms needed to qualify for a short-stay visa waiver," the Parliament said, calling on the EC to report on the two countries' progress early in 2010.
Source:balkans.com
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