Building and removing visa walls: on European integration of the Western Balkans

In: Sicherheit und Frieden: S + F = Security and Peace, Band 29, Heft 3, S. 162-168

Abstract

Travelling without border controls is a cornerstone of European integration and a symbol of EU exclusivity. After increasing visa restrictions, visa-free travel to the Schengen area was re-introduced for the citizens of five Western Balkans countries. This article gives an overview on the EU's 'visa liberalisation process' towards the region, discussing the historical context and the political dynamics. The EU used visa dialogue as a central political tool to advance the region's integration, though without a shared analysis of the region. Visa-free travel may help to overcome tensions still present in the Western Balkans, if extended to all citizens of the region, including Kosovo. (S+F/Pll)