High Representative Raises Visa Facilitation

The High Representative Dr Christian Schwarz-Schilling today met the Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis inSarajevo. The High Representative briefed the Foreign Minister on BiH’s progress in the Stabilisation and Association process, and highlighted the need for visa facilitation in order to make it easier for BiH citizens to travel to the EU.

In his capacity as EU Special Representative, he said that he will raise the issue of visa facilitation during the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Salzburg on March 10 – 11.

“I srongly support the Commission’s proposal on visa facilitation, and I will lobby EU member states in this regard,” he said.

However, he pointed out that progress will depend on the ability of the BiH authorities to continue to strengthen the rule of law, combat organized crime, corruption and illegal migration, and strengthen its border control. Countries in the region must also work closer in this regard, he added. 

“In order for the facilitation of the visa regime, BiH authorities must do their homework, and prove to the EU that they are serious about strengthening border security,” said the High Representative.