Serbs, others can travel visa-free to EU

BRUSSELS, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- European Union rules will change to allow Serbs, Macedonians and Montenegrins and travel visa-free to Europe, EU interior ministers have decided.

The ministers, meeting Monday in Brussels, decided the new rules will take effect starting Dec. 19, the EUobserver reported.

The move is a "big step in terms of EU integration and Europeanization of the civil societies in these countries," EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn told reporters in Brussels, adding that other Balkan countries could join the three if they meet the requirements.

Serbian President Boris Tadic, appearing with Rehn at the same press conference, hailed the move as a significant development for his nation, the publication said.

"This is a very important day for Serbian citizens," Tadic said. "I have to remind ourselves that 20 years ago we didn't need visas and today we are turning back to that."

EU Justice and Civil Liberties Commissioner Jacques Barrot noted that the Dec. 19 effective date would allow Serbs, Macedonians and Montenegrins to visit their relatives for Christmas without visas within the EU's borderless Schengen area.

Britain, however, remains off-limits for visa-free travel because is not part of the common border-free area, the EUobserver reported.