Belgrade- Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro welcomed Monday the European Union's decision to lift visa requirements for their citizens starting December 19. Serbian officials said the decision would enable young people to travel within the EU.
"This decision is ... an encouragement for further steps that Serbia needs to take to join the European family," the Serbian government said in a statement.
"This is a good news for all citizens who did not have the chance to travel abroad, especially for young people. Around 70 per cent of young people have never left Serbia, and now they are given the chance and I hope many will use it," Suzana Grubejsic, of the G17- plus party, part of the ruling coalition, told reporters in Belgrade.
The Macedonian Foreign Ministry said the EU's decision would enable greater mobility, exchange of ideas and better cooperation in all areas of life.
"Visa liberalization is extremely important for young generations, who are the future of Macedonia," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Citizens in Montenegro also welcomed the decision to lift visa requirements.
