EC commissioners' letter to Serbians

Olli - after NATO invasion and EU support for "independent" Kosovo - I don't belive any Germans and EU politicians.

prn,
are you suggesting that it is the mere 3-5% of the population that is the major destabalizing force? Thats rich.
And I'm also sure that the African American slaves were what brought American into its civil war too.
Yeah, blame the minority. Nicely done.
It is clear then that following that logic it was all the other minorities in FJugoslavia that were the problem. Oh wait, there you'd suggest it was the majority causing the problem.
Such patterns of human bahaviour are as easy to understand as one thinks they'd be.

Living in the UK,

I suggest you think more before you spew out that nonsense. There is a lot of things wrong with the UK but it has a pretty good track record in accepting immigrants and asylum seekers generally. Just look at the cultural make up.

In terms of jobs, I don’t think we have anything to learn from employing foreign labour for the purpose of them working at a “fraction” of the rate. As for being better workers. Well, the Poles have earned an excellent reputation for that – not many others have. There is a good case for foreign workers filling any skills shortage and in taking the benefits of EU membership then our labour market must be opened. All the recent “British jobs for British workers” has been widely misreported and used by certain right wing factions – the real issue was that local workers should have the same chance as others employed by foreign companies at the same rates. I think I’m digressing from the issue. Why do you mention employment? Visa free travel doesn’t provide the right to work.

There isn’t anything middle aged about more secure borders. If anything they need to be tighter! Especially when we are the number one terrorist target in Europe. In any event, I don’t see what this has to do with Visa free travel and I don’t see where the discrimination is.

I personally would like to see Serbians allowed to travel to the UK visa free but the border controls have to stay up – for everyone. Border controls and visa free travel are two different things. I can’t get into Serbia officially without going through your border controls to gain entry for a maximum of 90 days and I certainly don’t have the right to work. Have a look into your (Serbia’s) legislation on foreigners – they are tightening up. I don’t have an issue with that.

Finally, well done Serbia.

Welcome news from EU but shame for UK and Irish policy on border controls. Such a cosmopolitan contry with many people passing but seems to descriminate only against very few nationalities. The border controls really must come down or at the very least allow these people to get their visas at UK airports.

So much talk about foreigners taking British jobs. Could this be that most foreigners are very good workers, never take sick days, do not complain and work for fraction of going rate. Possibly those Brits have something to learn.

For a Serb living in Bosnia to get their visas in Belgrade means travel to Belgrade for interview, and if you are lucky enough to get a visa than you again have to return to get your passport with visa stamp.

Imagine the expense of at least 2 days travel, than accommodation and food if you do not have somewhere to stay not to mention visa costs.

UK must look at it's foreign policy once more and ensure that it is on track and living in modern times and not Middle Ages.

And UK just remember those days before the war when all of Yugoslavia was travelling visa free. Why not open the doors now?!

Let's not get too excited about this as like the SAA it's not in force yet and might never become so.

I live in UK and am constantly appalled by stories regarding the relative ease with which illegal immigrants gain access to our country and worse than that how, once they are caught, they are seemingly allowed to stay for years and sometimes even paid by our government to leave!
The attached article makes for very interesting reading.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-388912/My-fake-passport-Britain.html
Given the inept controls that appear to be in place in the UK, it seems somewhat ironic that we should be preaching to others about border controls and security. Lets get our own house in order before we start preaching to others.

Pitty that EU doesn't allow K-Serbs, (as Serbs in Serbia) to travel freely, as in a matter of 2 weeks most of them will leave, making Kosovo peaceful, where law and order will prevails.

Serbs, the visa deal was promised for electing Tadic. Now you must do what EU wants (cooperate with KPS directly, not give passports to K and B serbs) etc etc.

RS. Did you mean jelen as in pivo or jelen as in meso?

Hi Living in the UK,

Firstly, if I offended you then I apologise.

Secondly, I empathise with your sister and I am ashamed if she was treated badly. I experienced something similar going through immigration in the US for a weekend break – they were rude, intimidating and inhospitable. I felt like turning round and getting on the next plane home. I didn’t and the next time I went I was treated perfectly. Sometimes I wonder if these things are more about whether some jumped up idiot is in a bad mood rather than rules.

I only mentioned employment because you did. I don’t think it’s relevant. But if you read your post freshly you are giving the impression that we are a bunch of xenophobic, work-shy cavemen stuck in the last century. I don’t like being portrayed that way, in particular xenophobic, but I concede that there are people like that and that our tabloid press is a disgrace.

I think maybe we have crossed wires because I don’t fully understand what you mean about employment. Yes, EU citizens can freely work here as I said in my original post. Controls apply to all others in respect of employment. Not just a few but many. If I may ask, what is our stance to foreigners? That is the reason I mentioned about the record in taking immigrants and asylum seekers.

It is not just Serbs that can’t enter under Schengen visa. No one can. Schengen countries can enter without a visa. Aside from this some countries have visa free arrangements with the UK. Hopefully soon, and I expect this, the UK will allow visa-free travel for Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. That is the answer in my opinion. Not removing border controls.

I still want stricter border control – look at the queue of poor souls at Calais. For the majority, if they do get in it will be an underground life of crime and exploitation. Of course some disagree and want to adopt Schengen.

Anyway, if you want me to bring you back some jelen or smokies (njam njam) the next time I’m in Belgrade let me know ☺

I have come to realize that out of all the candidate and potential candidate countries, the following countries have not received VISA-free travel the the EU:

1. Turkey

2. Albania

3. Bosnia & Herzegovina (where the Croats and Serbs can apply for Croatian or Serbian citizenship, as Bosnian law states that dual citizenship is permitted, thus being allowed to travel to Europe without a VISA, something the Bosnian Muslims cannot do, as they cannot claim dual citizenship from elsewhere).

While three Balkan countries have been offered the EU VISA-free conditions:

1. Macedonia

2. Montenegro

3. Serbia (apart from... wait for it... Kosovo!)

Has anyone else noticed a common factor here, or am I the only one? Maybe it means nothing, but I am just finding that there are certain things that the EU looks out for when they are on the lookout for members.

Hi RSburns. This is Living in the UK.

Seems you were reading too much into my words.

Employment was mentioned not because of legal/illegal immigrants searching for work but the stance towards foreigners. Since all EU citizens travel quiet freely to UK and I can not see your point and can't help to wonder why controls apply to very few.

I am a Serb. My family live all over x-Yugoslavia. I am legal and have been in this country for a long time. This is my home. My family has to go through great measures in order to come and see me.

My sister had a very bad experiance with a British Embassy official who humiliated her and her family no end. She told me she will never come and visit me nor beg for a visa in British Ambassy again.

You base your message on stricter controls. Just look around you and whom/what do you see. And listen to the media and political documentary's and correct me again.

ECburns. If border controls and visa free travel are two different things than why can't Serbs enter UK without a visa under Schengen.

We in the UK are not part of Schengen, you only have to look at where all illegals congregate once they land in a Schengen member State they head for the French,Belgian passports to attempt illegal entry to the UK!. SCHENGEN NIEN DANKE!!

Hi RS. Seems I owe you an apology as well! Indeed we did cross wires.

My concern was mainly with visa-free travel. Having waited so long the day could not come soon enough. And when realised that UK was an exclusion I was not happy.

"Stance on foreigners" I felt there were hard feelings (given history) towards Serbs (as EU travels freely) hence my comment. Nothing to do with jobs or Serbs wanting to work in this country. I did want to make it a point that there are many of us who work very hard (not only Pols)and have seen others take advantage of situations in work place. Nothing to do with nationalities. As I always said to everyone. My friends are the United Nations.

In respect to border contols - I must have confused it with visa-free travel. Thanks for your comments. I can understand the meaning better. Agree completely - no human traffiking - no terrorism - no smuggling - no criminals....

I do not eat jelen. In fact had much of an opportunity in Norway but never found it attractive. Am more of fish person.

But smokie I do like. I will be flying to Belgrade in a few weeks time. Possibly you would like me to bring you some of my brother-in-laws rakija. The best going.

Living in UK

Indeed it was pivo I meant. We actually have very good deer meat in Scotland too. But a Serb who does not prefer meat. Good god! ;)

Do you know I have never tried rakija? The reason is that I like drink too much so I try to keep off spirits. However, if it is the best then I could surely drop down my guard.

I only know a few Serbs working in the UK. If they are anything to go but they don't need to work hard to impress because they are part of the brain drain. Good deal for the UK don't you think?

Anyway, I liked when you said you were with the United Nations. When I look around I feel proud of that. For all our faults, and we have many, I think most of us are are good people too.

I should also say that there is something about Belgrade that makes me feel at home. For all it's faults (as have all cities) it is a wonderful place and I love the people i met and who have become important to me.

"1. Macedonia

2. Montenegro

3. Serbia (apart from... wait for it... Kosovo!)

Has anyone else noticed a common factor here, or am I the only one? "

It's been noted, and criticized, especially in the case of Bosnia, where the failure to make progress is due to obstacles raised by the SR government. Since Bosnia was very close in any case to meeting the technical requirements, it may be possible in the final negotiations to make an adjustment and let them in, too.

Hi RS

I enjoyed reading your last statement and am pleased that you are found of Serbian people.

When I said my friends are the United Nations I meant that my friends are different nationalities, colour and religion some who do not live in the UK. I would like to think that I can make friends easily with anyone.

You must try rakija next time you are in Belgrade. But make sure it is home made and you buy it from a dependable source.

Pitty that EU doesn't allow K-Serbs, (as Serbs in Serbia) to travel freely, as in a matter of 2 weeks most of them will leave, making Kosovo peaceful, where law and order will prevails.

Serbs, the visa deal was promised for electing Tadic. Now you must do what EU wants (cooperate with KPS directly, not give passports to K and B serbs) etc etc.

Let's not get too excited about this as like the SAA it's not in force yet and might never become so.

Olli - after NATO invasion and EU support for "independent" Kosovo - I don't belive any Germans and EU politicians.

Welcome news from EU but shame for UK and Irish policy on border controls. Such a cosmopolitan contry with many people passing but seems to descriminate only against very few nationalities. The border controls really must come down or at the very least allow these people to get their visas at UK airports.

So much talk about foreigners taking British jobs. Could this be that most foreigners are very good workers, never take sick days, do not complain and work for fraction of going rate. Possibly those Brits have something to learn.

For a Serb living in Bosnia to get their visas in Belgrade means travel to Belgrade for interview, and if you are lucky enough to get a visa than you again have to return to get your passport with visa stamp.

Imagine the expense of at least 2 days travel, than accommodation and food if you do not have somewhere to stay not to mention visa costs.

UK must look at it's foreign policy once more and ensure that it is on track and living in modern times and not Middle Ages.

And UK just remember those days before the war when all of Yugoslavia was travelling visa free. Why not open the doors now?!

I live in UK and am constantly appalled by stories regarding the relative ease with which illegal immigrants gain access to our country and worse than that how, once they are caught, they are seemingly allowed to stay for years and sometimes even paid by our government to leave!
The attached article makes for very interesting reading.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-388912/My-fake-passport-Britain.html
Given the inept controls that appear to be in place in the UK, it seems somewhat ironic that we should be preaching to others about border controls and security. Lets get our own house in order before we start preaching to others.

prn,
are you suggesting that it is the mere 3-5% of the population that is the major destabalizing force? Thats rich.
And I'm also sure that the African American slaves were what brought American into its civil war too.
Yeah, blame the minority. Nicely done.
It is clear then that following that logic it was all the other minorities in FJugoslavia that were the problem. Oh wait, there you'd suggest it was the majority causing the problem.
Such patterns of human bahaviour are as easy to understand as one thinks they'd be.

Hi RSburns. This is Living in the UK.

Seems you were reading too much into my words.

Employment was mentioned not because of legal/illegal immigrants searching for work but the stance towards foreigners. Since all EU citizens travel quiet freely to UK and I can not see your point and can't help to wonder why controls apply to very few.

I am a Serb. My family live all over x-Yugoslavia. I am legal and have been in this country for a long time. This is my home. My family has to go through great measures in order to come and see me.

My sister had a very bad experiance with a British Embassy official who humiliated her and her family no end. She told me she will never come and visit me nor beg for a visa in British Ambassy again.

You base your message on stricter controls. Just look around you and whom/what do you see. And listen to the media and political documentary's and correct me again.

ECburns. If border controls and visa free travel are two different things than why can't Serbs enter UK without a visa under Schengen.

I have come to realize that out of all the candidate and potential candidate countries, the following countries have not received VISA-free travel the the EU:

1. Turkey

2. Albania

3. Bosnia & Herzegovina (where the Croats and Serbs can apply for Croatian or Serbian citizenship, as Bosnian law states that dual citizenship is permitted, thus being allowed to travel to Europe without a VISA, something the Bosnian Muslims cannot do, as they cannot claim dual citizenship from elsewhere).

While three Balkan countries have been offered the EU VISA-free conditions:

1. Macedonia

2. Montenegro

3. Serbia (apart from... wait for it... Kosovo!)

Has anyone else noticed a common factor here, or am I the only one? Maybe it means nothing, but I am just finding that there are certain things that the EU looks out for when they are on the lookout for members.

We in the UK are not part of Schengen, you only have to look at where all illegals congregate once they land in a Schengen member State they head for the French,Belgian passports to attempt illegal entry to the UK!. SCHENGEN NIEN DANKE!!

Living in the UK,

I suggest you think more before you spew out that nonsense. There is a lot of things wrong with the UK but it has a pretty good track record in accepting immigrants and asylum seekers generally. Just look at the cultural make up.

In terms of jobs, I don’t think we have anything to learn from employing foreign labour for the purpose of them working at a “fraction” of the rate. As for being better workers. Well, the Poles have earned an excellent reputation for that – not many others have. There is a good case for foreign workers filling any skills shortage and in taking the benefits of EU membership then our labour market must be opened. All the recent “British jobs for British workers” has been widely misreported and used by certain right wing factions – the real issue was that local workers should have the same chance as others employed by foreign companies at the same rates. I think I’m digressing from the issue. Why do you mention employment? Visa free travel doesn’t provide the right to work.

There isn’t anything middle aged about more secure borders. If anything they need to be tighter! Especially when we are the number one terrorist target in Europe. In any event, I don’t see what this has to do with Visa free travel and I don’t see where the discrimination is.

I personally would like to see Serbians allowed to travel to the UK visa free but the border controls have to stay up – for everyone. Border controls and visa free travel are two different things. I can’t get into Serbia officially without going through your border controls to gain entry for a maximum of 90 days and I certainly don’t have the right to work. Have a look into your (Serbia’s) legislation on foreigners – they are tightening up. I don’t have an issue with that.

Finally, well done Serbia.

Hi Living in the UK,

Firstly, if I offended you then I apologise.

Secondly, I empathise with your sister and I am ashamed if she was treated badly. I experienced something similar going through immigration in the US for a weekend break – they were rude, intimidating and inhospitable. I felt like turning round and getting on the next plane home. I didn’t and the next time I went I was treated perfectly. Sometimes I wonder if these things are more about whether some jumped up idiot is in a bad mood rather than rules.

I only mentioned employment because you did. I don’t think it’s relevant. But if you read your post freshly you are giving the impression that we are a bunch of xenophobic, work-shy cavemen stuck in the last century. I don’t like being portrayed that way, in particular xenophobic, but I concede that there are people like that and that our tabloid press is a disgrace.

I think maybe we have crossed wires because I don’t fully understand what you mean about employment. Yes, EU citizens can freely work here as I said in my original post. Controls apply to all others in respect of employment. Not just a few but many. If I may ask, what is our stance to foreigners? That is the reason I mentioned about the record in taking immigrants and asylum seekers.

It is not just Serbs that can’t enter under Schengen visa. No one can. Schengen countries can enter without a visa. Aside from this some countries have visa free arrangements with the UK. Hopefully soon, and I expect this, the UK will allow visa-free travel for Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. That is the answer in my opinion. Not removing border controls.

I still want stricter border control – look at the queue of poor souls at Calais. For the majority, if they do get in it will be an underground life of crime and exploitation. Of course some disagree and want to adopt Schengen.

Anyway, if you want me to bring you back some jelen or smokies (njam njam) the next time I’m in Belgrade let me know ☺

Hi RS. Seems I owe you an apology as well! Indeed we did cross wires.

My concern was mainly with visa-free travel. Having waited so long the day could not come soon enough. And when realised that UK was an exclusion I was not happy.

"Stance on foreigners" I felt there were hard feelings (given history) towards Serbs (as EU travels freely) hence my comment. Nothing to do with jobs or Serbs wanting to work in this country. I did want to make it a point that there are many of us who work very hard (not only Pols)and have seen others take advantage of situations in work place. Nothing to do with nationalities. As I always said to everyone. My friends are the United Nations.

In respect to border contols - I must have confused it with visa-free travel. Thanks for your comments. I can understand the meaning better. Agree completely - no human traffiking - no terrorism - no smuggling - no criminals....

I do not eat jelen. In fact had much of an opportunity in Norway but never found it attractive. Am more of fish person.

But smokie I do like. I will be flying to Belgrade in a few weeks time. Possibly you would like me to bring you some of my brother-in-laws rakija. The best going.

RS. Did you mean jelen as in pivo or jelen as in meso?

Living in UK

Indeed it was pivo I meant. We actually have very good deer meat in Scotland too. But a Serb who does not prefer meat. Good god! ;)

Do you know I have never tried rakija? The reason is that I like drink too much so I try to keep off spirits. However, if it is the best then I could surely drop down my guard.

I only know a few Serbs working in the UK. If they are anything to go but they don't need to work hard to impress because they are part of the brain drain. Good deal for the UK don't you think?

Anyway, I liked when you said you were with the United Nations. When I look around I feel proud of that. For all our faults, and we have many, I think most of us are are good people too.

I should also say that there is something about Belgrade that makes me feel at home. For all it's faults (as have all cities) it is a wonderful place and I love the people i met and who have become important to me.

"1. Macedonia

2. Montenegro

3. Serbia (apart from... wait for it... Kosovo!)

Has anyone else noticed a common factor here, or am I the only one? "

It's been noted, and criticized, especially in the case of Bosnia, where the failure to make progress is due to obstacles raised by the SR government. Since Bosnia was very close in any case to meeting the technical requirements, it may be possible in the final negotiations to make an adjustment and let them in, too.

Hi RS

I enjoyed reading your last statement and am pleased that you are found of Serbian people.

When I said my friends are the United Nations I meant that my friends are different nationalities, colour and religion some who do not live in the UK. I would like to think that I can make friends easily with anyone.

You must try rakija next time you are in Belgrade. But make sure it is home made and you buy it from a dependable source.