EU Expresses Concerns Over Serbia's Accelerated Citizenship Procedure for Russians

The European Union (EU) has once again raised concerns about Serbia's practice of granting citizenship to Russian citizens through an accelerated procedure, potentially allowing them to enter the Schengen area without a visa. The EU Commission has expressed apprehension over potential security risks within the bloc due to the significant number of Russians obtaining Serbian citizenship under these facilitated rules.

An EU Commission spokesperson emphasized the need for Serbia to align its visa policy and refrain from granting citizenship to Russians through the accelerated procedure. As a candidate country seeking EU membership, Serbia is expected to adopt EU policies and decisions. The EU Commission is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with Serbian authorities to address the presence of Russian citizens in Serbia.

The spokesperson did not disclose specific measures the EU Commission might take if Serbia continues to grant citizenship to Russians through this procedure without adjusting its visa policy and tightening its rules.

This is not the first time the EU has expressed concern regarding Serbia's citizenship practices. In May of the same year, the Commission voiced worry about Serbia granting citizenship to nationals of other countries under simplified rules. The EU Commission cautioned that Serbia's visa-free regime could be at risk as an increasing number of citizens from third countries were obtaining Serbian citizenship and then entering EU countries without visas.

Furthermore, EU member states have raised concerns about a growing number of irregular migrants entering the EU through Serbia. They have urged Serbia to enforce stricter rules, particularly for those arriving from countries for which Serbia has lifted visa requirements.

These ongoing concerns highlight the importance of Serbia aligning its policies with EU standards as it progresses toward EU membership.

By fLEXI tEAM