European Parliament approves visa liberalisation for Kosovo-Metohija Serbs

STRASBOURG - At the proposal of rapporteur Matjaz Nemec, the European Parliament on Tuesday approved visa liberalisation for holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate for Kosovo-Metohija, which operates as part of the Serbian Interior Ministry.

Four hundred and six of 597 MEPs in attendance voted for Nemec's report, 97 voted against and 94 abstained.

The Council of the EU is due to have the final say on the matter.

The move ensures an equal visa regime to the entire Western Balkans region.

Earlier this month, Nemec told Tanjug implementation of visa liberalisation for Kosovo-Metohija Serbs with passports issued by the Directorate might begin by the summer.

Visas for holders of the so-called Kosovo passports were abolished on January 1 this year.