European Commission hits Serbia: We do not rule out the possibility of visa suspension for them

That is because the country does not harmonise visa policy with the European Union (BE), considered one of the reasons Europe is facing a new wave of migrants.

“I hope and think that Serbia and other Western Balkan partners will co-operate with us and harmonise their visa policy with the EU. But, of course, suspension of visas is not something I would rule out. However, I think and I hope we will have a good co-operation”, Johansson said,

These statements were made before the EU member states' internal ministers' meeting, which is being held in Luxembourg, where the problem of the so-called Balkan road will be discussed as the key theme, due to the increasing number of undocumented migrants. who are using the region to reach EU territory.

The visa suspension mechanism gives the EU the opportunity to temporarily suspend visa exemptions for non-EU member states, in case of a significant increase in irregular migration from partner countries, Aljazeera writes, Kankosova broadcasts.tv.

Serbia's problem is especially highlighted in the last period among EU countries, because it is considered that citizens of so-called third countries who enjoy a visa-free regime with Serbia use this country to reach Europe.

In official documents, the EU regularly underlines the need for Serbia to harmonise visa policy with Union policies.

Johansson noted that candidate countries are expected to gradually draw closer to visa policy and that harmonisation should be completed when these countries become full members of the Union.