"In recognition of the steady, but different stages of progress achieved by the western Balkans countries in implementing reforms, the European Commission should work to ensure that visa benchmark requirements are implemented and promote mutual security, and do not impose unnecessary burdens. The EC should also agree during the Czech EU Presidency a clear timeline for visa liberalisation for each country - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

Enlargement serves the European Union's strategic interest in stability, security, and conflict prevention. It has helped to increase prosperity and growth opportunities, and to enhance the EU's weight in the world. In the light of recent challenges to stability to the east of the EU, the consistent implementation of the EU's enlargement policy has become more important than ever. Therefore, the Justice, Freedom and Security area is, and will be, the main focus of scrutiny for the EU in the framework of the current western Balkans enlargement agenda.

The EU member states and the countries of the western Balkans share a mutual interest in the success of the roadmaps on visa liberalisation and the accompanying requirements in facilitating the removal of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia from the EU Visa Negative List and in putting them on track for future EU membership."