Serbia's urgent push for EU visa policy alignment sparks debate

In Slovakia, on December 6, 2024, President Peter Pellegrini approved new legislation amending the Travel Documents Act. This law establishes regulations for issuing a temporary European Union travel document, with significant implications for travel within the EU. The new directives dictate that this document will have a limited validity of up to 15 days, primarily aimed at facilitating travel for individuals returning to their home countries or countries of residence. The Slovak interior ministry clarified that exceptional circumstances could warrant an extension of this validity. Furthermore, the amendment sets a fee structure for the document, standardizing the cost at 50 euros, which applies both to initial applications and applications for re-issuance within a six-month period at 100 euros. In conjunction with these regulatory changes, a recent report from the European Commission highlighted the compliance of countries in the Western Balkans with EU visa requirements. The findings indicate that Serbia and other nations in the region, such as Albania and North Macedonia, are adequately responding to previous recommendations made regarding visa liberalization. However, ongoing concerns were noted particularly regarding Georgia, where the Commission suggested potential jeopardization of the visa-free regime due to recent events. The report, part of the Visa Suspension Mechanism, underscores the importance of aligning visa policies with the EU standards to mitigate migration risks. The European Commission's report further states that visa-free travel is essential for enhancing mobility, promoting cultural exchange, and boosting tourism. However, it also presents challenges related to security and irregular migration. This recommendation aims to support continued reforms and relations between the EU and its Eastern neighbors. The Commission has outlined expectations for swift action, particularly from Serbia, in improving alignment with the EU's visa policies, which includes managing third-country nationals under readmission agreements. Serbia's strategy to implement a new integrated border management system for 2022-2027 further highlights its commitment to meeting EU standards. Overall, the changes accompanying the signing of the new law on temporary travel documents mark a significant step in facilitating travel while ensuring that the processes align with broader EU migration and border management policies. As nations in the Western Balkans continue to adapt their policies to meet EU criteria, the success of visa liberalization efforts will depend on their ability to implement the recommended improvements promptly.