Serbia is discussing abolition of visa-free regime with Russia as part of its bid to join EU
The Serbian authorities have begun internal discussions regarding the possible cancellation of the visa-free regime for citizens of the Russian Federation. This step is part of Belgrade's obligations to harmonize its legislation and synchronize its foreign policy with the requirements of the European Union to accelerate European integration.
The Moscow Times reports this with reference to the statement of the chairman of the Serbian parliament committee on diaspora and Serbs in the region Dragan Stanojević, Censor.NET reports.
Terms and conditions of European integration
According to the official, specific terms for implementing this decision, which are tied to the country's general reform plan, are already sounding in the corridors of the parliament.
"There are statements to do all this by the end of 2026. But as far as I know, all this must be done half a year before joining the EU," Dragan Stanojević emphasized in a comment to journalists.
At the same time, he expressed doubt about a quick end to the negotiation process, noting that Serbia currently remains far from full membership in the European Union.
According to representatives of the Serbian parliament, the premature closure of borders for Russians could negatively affect the financial stability of the state. The cancellation of the current border crossing regime can significantly hit the country's economy, which is largely focused on:
Currently, official Belgrade is trying to balance between meeting the strict requirements of its European partners and preserving its own economic interests in the region.
Montenegro is to adopt similar laws.
