Support migrant centric journalism today and donate
The European Union has said that you will soon no longer need a visit visa to visit the EU if you are a national of Bosnia or Albania. It is hoped that this will encourage democratic reforms in the Balkan states. However, the EU warned that visit visa requirements may be reimposed if there are problems with visitors from Bosnia and Albania.
EU home affairs ministers approved a proposal by the European Commission to remove travel restrictions for Bosnians and Albanians who hold biometric passports, but the commission said it would monitor the situation to make sure that EU border control policies are followed.
The European Union has been wary of opening its borders to Balkan Countries after EU-member states experienced a surge in asylum applications after Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia had visa restrictions relaxed.
"This has...prompted the European Commission to set up a post-visa monitoring process that aims at preventing risks of misuse and abuse of the asylum procedures," said Cecilia Malmstrom, EU internal affairs commissioner.
"A visa-free regime also comes with responsibilities, she added.
Albania and Bosnia hope to join the European Union in the future, along with the other Balkan states.
