Servische burgers verkennen de EU: vier steden in zes dagen (en)
On 19 December, visa liberalisation was introduced for Serbian citizens wanting to travel within the Schengen area. In view of this, a project was started between Serbia and the European Commission, 'Europe for Everyone', which gives 50 Serbian citizens the opportunity to travel around Europe for six days. On the list of European cities to be visited are Brussels, Rome, Paris and Berlin.
Swedish Minister Tobias Billström participated in the welcome ceremony at Zaventem airport 19 Dec
Photo: Markus Friberg/Regeringskansliet
Tobias Billström welcomes the first participants
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‘Europe for Everyone’ wants to build bridges
The project developed from the fact that the majority of Serbian citizens have never been abroad. 'Europe for Everyone' will therefore promote the possibility for Serbian citizens to travel within the EU, in the hope that travelling will provide an opportunity to get to know the customs and cultures of the EU countries visited.
The Presidency got the opportunity to interview three participants in the ‘Europe for Everyone’ project.
Bojana Mijuškovi?, 28, Belgrade.
What do you think about the visa liberalisation for Serbia?
“I see it as something very positive for Serbia, especially considering that many Serbian citizens have never had the chance to travel outside of the country. Many Serbs, and especially young people, will benefit from meeting new people and gaining knowledge of the varying social and cultural heritage around Europe. In this respect, I think the concept of ‘Europe for Everyone’ and the idea behind the project are very important, because we would be good ambassadors for our country.”
Do you see visa liberalisation as a step towards Serbian membership of the European Union?
“It is a very important step, but I don’t see it as anything decisive or necessary.”
Which city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
“I am looking forward to visiting all the cities, but top of my list is Paris. Mostly for romantic reasons, but also because I am convinced the city will look fantastic at Christmas.”
Marija Stojanovic, 39, Kragujevac.
What do you think about the visa liberalisation for Serbia?
“I think it is good for Serbia. It is not fair that Serbia has been isolated for 20 years, but now there is a possibility for all Serbian citizens to widen their horizons and get to see what we for many years have only heard about from others.”
Do you see visa liberalisation as a step towards Serbian membership of the European Union?
“Of course I do. However, visa liberalisation forms only the first step towards Serbia’s integration in Europe. Another important step towards EU membership is the introduction of free trade between Serbia and the EU.”
Which city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
“I am most looking forward to visiting Rome, ‘the Eternal City’. The city’s history attracts me and I very much want to see a number of historic sights of interest, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican and many more. I am also looking forward to seeing Belgium by night from an aeroplane, because I have heard a lot about the fantastic lights that can be seen. It is supposed to be the most fascinating thing you can see from an aeroplane.”
Aca Peric, 27, Sabac-Jevremovac.
What do you think about the visa liberalisation for Serbia?
“I consider it to be of great importance for us, the young Serbs. When we were little, Yugoslavia was at war, and this resulted in many years of sanctions, which resulted in isolation from the rest of the world. At that time, only a few young people could travel abroad and see other countries. Also, having to stand in endless queues all night long was very humiliating, especially when it rained or snowed.”
Do you see visa liberalisation as a step towards Serbian membership of the European Union?
“Yes! This is a major step without previous comparison, an opportunity for Serbia to come closer to membership of the European Union. After many years of isolation, we now have a chance to feel more mobile, feel more like a part of Europe, which we for a long time have not done, but now can. We need each other.”
Which city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
“Each city has its own charm and these four cities (Brussels, Rome, Berlin and Paris) are special and unique in their own way, with a lot of fantastic things to see and places to visit, but for me Paris is my dream city.”