The Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs in the European Union, Sesilia Malmstrom, arrives today in Tirana in a two-day visit. She will attend the meeting of the Interior and Justice Minister of Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro, but the main reason of her visit is the increase in the number of asylum seekers of the Western Balkans countries that have abused visa liberalization.
During her stay in Tirana, the High Representative of the EU, will demand the governments of the Balkans states to work harder for employment, safety and the improvement of citizens lives, as well as continue work with information and border control.
The context of the economic crisis in Europe and the growing pressure from the countries that suffer immigration, demand the warning to be taken seriously, in order to improve the situation with asylum seekers. Otherwise, the risk of returning the visa regime is real and all citizens will suffer the consequences, not only them who abuse with freedom of movement.
Complaints to the European Commission come from some EU countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden. While the criticized countries, or those that risk visa liberalization suspension are Serbia, Macedonia, as well as Albania and Bosnia. The number of asylum seekers from these countries has increased 75% compared to last year.
In the first 9 months of the year, Albania is part of the 10-country list with the highest number of asylum seekers in Belgium with 470 persons, leaving Serbia behind with 463.
