EU hails easing of visa requirements for western Balkans

TIRANA, June 18 – The Council of the European Union, meeting in Luxembourg Monday, hailed the approval of reduced visa procedures with the Western Balkan countries.
The Council welcomed the initialling of the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the former Yugoslav Republics of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, said a statement.
The conclusion of such agreements will promote people-to-people contacts between the EU and the Western Balkan countries and will increase the opportunities for travelling, especially for the younger generation, the Council statement said.
The Council also acknowledged the importance the people of the Western Balkans attach to visa-free movement. In this respect, it welcomed the efforts of the Commission to move these issues forward in concrete terms. Furthermore, the Council emphasised the desirability of promoting people-to-people contacts by also making available more scholarships for students of the Balkan region.
The statement concluded, “Therefore, the Council looks forward to a prompt conclusion of all necessary procedures to ensure that the agreements enter into force as soon as possible. “