Serbia considers dropping visa-free travel with Russia for EU membership

Serbian authorities have begun discussions on ending visa-free travel with Russia to remove one of the barriers to joining the European Union. The move demonstrates Serbia's desire to align with the EU, despite traditionally close ties to Moscow.

Serbia is taking a significant step towards European Union membership — Belgrade authorities have launched domestic discussions on ending visa-free travel with Russia. The current visa-free regime with Moscow has been one of the main obstacles for Serbia's accession to the EU, as it conflicts with the union's foreign policy requirements.

The European Union has repeatedly emphasized that candidate countries must align their visa policies with EU standards, including adjusting relations with Russia. Serbia has so far refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia and maintained friendly relations with Moscow, which has created tensions with Brussels.