Resolution adopted by the ELDR Congress 2008 in Stockholm

For a visa-free regime in the Western Balkans

The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, convening in Stockholm, on 30^th and 31^st October 2008:

A:         Reaffirming the principle elements of the ELDR Resolution adopted in Berlin in October 2007 "Europe is our home - no visas" and based on the many resolutions of the ELDR Party concerning the principle of the freedom of movement and support for EU Enlargement;

B.      Noting the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries and the political commitment taken by the European Union on the need for visa liberalisation in the Western Balkans in the form of individual roadmaps presented to the Western Balkan countries at the beginning of this year;

1.         Calls on the countries of the Western Balkans to accelerate their efforts to fulfil the requirements set out in the individual roadmaps in order to ensure the removal of the visa regime in their countries at the earliest possible time;

2.         Believes that the fulfilment of these conditions is crucial to accelerating the process of eventual accession to the EU;

3.         Underlines that the right to the freedom of movement will contribute most to the understanding of European best practice and European laws in the region;

4.         Instructs its President Ms Annemie Neyts to forward this resolution to the Governments and Parliaments of the countries of the region and the President of the Council of the European Union.