European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security, welcomed the transmission of the Roadmap on visa liberalisation to Montenegrin Foreign Affairs Minister Milan Rocen, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Gordana Djurovic and Minister of Interior Jusuf Kalamperovic, in a ceremony which took place in Podgorica yesterday (28 May). The Roadmap gives clear indications to the Montenegrin authorities on the measures that need to be taken in order to grant visa free travel to all its citizens in the near future.

"I attach the greatest importance to facilitating people to people contacts in particular for the younger generation. I am convinced that easy travel conditions will increase mutual understanding and improve our relations in all fields. The roadmap on visa facilitation is certainly another important step towards the EU integration of Montenegro. But the roadmap offers more advantages to the citizens of Montenegro" VP Barrot continued, "as it will encourage the country to continue implementing the relevant reforms and reinforcing cooperation at regional level and with the EU in areas such as strengthening the rule of law, fighting organised crime and corruption."

Since 1 January 2008, the Montenegrin citizens enjoy the benefits of a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union. This agreement provides simplified procedures for issuing visas, including a visa fee waiver for a broad range of categories of citizens including students, sportsmen and sportswomen, cultural workers, journalists, judges, people visiting family members living in the EU, people in need of medical treatment, businessmen etc. Up to 50% of the Montenegrin citizens can currently be exempt from the visa fee. People who pay for visa are charged the special reduced rate of 35 euros instead of 60 euros.

Yet the EU sent another strong message of openness/encouragement to all citizens of Montenegro. The General Affairs and External Relations Council of 28 January 2008 welcomed this step and invited the Commission to present detailed roadmaps setting clear benchmarks to be met by all the countries in the region in order to gradually advance towards visa liberalisation. In February 2008, the dialogue on visa liberalisation with Montenegro was launched. The Roadmap presented officially today is a concrete step towards visa liberalisation.

The Roadmap follows a balanced approach setting benchmarks which are realistic and achievable in the near future. It sets clear requirements for the reforms to be implemented in key areas such as security of documents, border management, fight against illegal migration, fight against organised crime and corruption and also in the area of fundamental rights.

The process will be closely monitored by the Commission assisted by Member States' experts. The Commission will report regularly on the implementation of the Roadmap and will eventually consider the possibility to present a proposal for the lifting of the visa obligation for citizens of Montenegro.