Visa-free travel
July 14, 2009
Speaking to reporters in the Macedonian capital Skopje, Solana promised improved travel conditions for citizens of the three Balkan countries.
"I bring good news for your country and the citizens," Solana said as he arrived in Macedonia as a part of his tour of western Balkans.
Solana arrived from Belgrade, where on Monday he also promised Serbian citizens "good news" about visa-free travel.
"In a few days you will receive very good news on the visa regime liberalization for the Serbian people," Solana said after meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.
Albania and Bosnia could follow
Last month, EU foreign ministers encouraged the Commission to propose the visa liberalization for states of the Western Balkans.
The EU Commission is expected to submit a proposal on the issue on Wednesday. The proposal will have to be formally approved by the EU's 27 justice ministers, although unanimity would not be required.
EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot told a news briefing in Brussels last week that the visa liberalization would start with Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia while Albania and Bosnia should follow later in 2010, provided they meet certain requirements.
EU officials say Macedonia has already met EU standards for visa liberalization, which include adequate border monitoring, introduction of biometric passports and steps against crime and corruption. Montenegro and Serbia were expected to be able to meet all conditions by the end of the year.
The lifting of visa restrictions is seen as an important step forward in Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia's hopes for moving towards EU accession.
Solana underlined the importance of lifting visa requirements, particularly for young people, in the context of EU integration of the Balkans.
sp/dpa/reuters
Editor: Neil King