Visa-free travel: the road ahead
Visa-free travel will give Southeast European citizens the freedom to travel in EU countries. Although some Balkan countries are well on their way to obtaining EC approval, others have a long road ahead.
Features
Are EU's visa rules for Turks legal?
30/06/2009
In an April decision, the European Court of Justice told EU member states that visa restrictions breach a 1963 agreement.
Romania seeks Schengen membership by 2011
26/06/2009
Romania is working feverishly to join the Schengen area, and hopes to join the visa-free zone by 2011.
Montenegro hopeful for visa liberalisation
23/06/2009
Montenegro is confident that it will be placed on the Schengen White List by early next year. However, the country must first deliver on its remaining EU benchmarks.
Bulgaria still faces Schengen hurdles
22/06/2009
If Bulgaria hopes to become a full-fledged Schengen member by March 2011, it must implement some key provisions.
Albania fails EU's visa liberalisation exam
19/06/2009
Bloggers are frustrated with the government's inability to meet EU reform benchmarks, leading to Albania's exclusion from visa-free travel this year. Others blame the EU for an unfair decision.
Macedonians see Schengen on the horizon
19/06/2009
With EU officials confirming it has met the conditions, Macedonia is poised to see visa restrictions lifted by the end of this year
Kosovo lags in visa liberalisation efforts
18/06/2009
Kosovo is the only country in the Balkans that is not being considered for visa liberalisation in the near future.
Albania still shut out of Schengen
17/06/2009
With the country falling short of EU benchmarks, Albanians will have to wait until 2010 for a liberalised visa regime.
Serbia hopes to be visa-free
16/06/2009
Visa liberalisation could become a reality for Serbia before the end of this year, but some hurdles remain to be crossed.
EU plans visa liberalisation soon
12/06/2009
BRUSSELS, Belgium -- EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn met with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic on Thursday (June 11th) to assure him of Uni...