European parliament to vote on visa regime

The European Parliament will vote on September 12 on the proposal about introduction of a temporary mechanism that will allow the EU countries to reintroduce  visa regime for some countries, including countries from theBalkans. Tanja Fajon, a member of the European Parliament and rapporteur for visa liberalization, has told AA that several EU countries including Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg asked for the mechanism to be introduced. "It is hard to say who will vote for that and who has the reason to introduce visa regime again. At this moment, number of asylum seekers from the Balkans, that is the biggest problem, is decreasing and there is no reason to be alert, even though I can say that maybe we have little bit more of asylum seekers from Bosnia that before. Yet, I hope and I believe even if introduced, the mechanism will not be used. But, we can never now. Atmosphere in EU is not very good,“ Fajon said. Fajon said that she is not an optimist about the forthcoming EP vote. "And I am disappointed about that. But the pressure that is coming from the EU is enormous. This mechanism will allow to any member to ask for suspension of visa free regime with any country. It is not only something for the Balkans, but it applies for third world countries. I am very disappointed at this moment. Group of conservatives made a compromise that is not good four the EU or for any other country, as well as for the future of the EU foreign politics,“ Fajon concluded. However, she said, what ever decision will be it will not leave the Balkans isolated. Local politicians, Fajon believes  are those who have to continue with reforms and will fulfilling obligations requested from the Brussels. Visa regime for Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia was lifted in December, 2009. Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina followed a year later in December, 2010. Previously, the EU has warned Balkan countries that if they don’t cut the number of asylum seekers, visas may be re-introduced.