Visa-free travel for Serbia – a new chance for the kin-state and the Hungarian minority in Serbia

 

Kinga Gál welcomed the proposal of the European Commission, the Report of the European Parliament and the joint declaration of the Council and the Parliament. In these documents the European Union assures other countries on the granting of free-visa travel, for example with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania, who were left out of the first round of visa-liberalization. For the future the European Union will also consider the visa-liberalization with Kosovo as well.

"The joint declaration is highly important; as its adoption clearly suggests that the European institutions have finally realised and taken up their responsibilities regarding the development of the Western Balkans. It falls into the political responsibility of the Union that democratic institutions be strengthened and minority rights be protected in this region."  Said Kinga Gál.

In her speech the Hungarian MEP laid emphasis on the importance of new opportunities for a more direct relationship for Hungarians living in Serbia with the Kin State. "It cannot be underlined enough how important visa-free passage is for citizens who live on the other side of the border, speak the same language and cherish close cultural and family relations with Hungarians in the Kin State," stated Kinga Gál.

Božidar Djelić, Serbian vice-president of the government responsible for European integration, also met Kinga Gál and informed her on the developments concerning visa-liberalization and justice and home affairs. The Vojvodina Statute and the new legislation on national councils were also discussed during the meeting, both of which may play a highly relevant role in the life of the Hungarian minority.