Montenegro to End Visa-Free Travel for Russians, Aligning with EU Policy
Montenegro is planning to introduce visa requirements for citizens of Russia and Belarus starting this autumn. This move is the first step in aligning the country's visa regime with the European Union's regulations. The decision was reported by the publication 'Dan'.
Further alignment with the EU's visa policy is expected to continue until the end of the year. Turkey is also likely to be included in the second round of visa regime harmonization. This policy shift indicates Montenegro's commitment to closer integration with the European Union.
Montenegro's decision to align its visa policy with the European Union, specifically by potentially ending visa-free travel for Russian and Belarusian citizens, reflects a strategic move towards deeper EU integration. This action is driven by the geopolitical imperative to harmonize foreign policy with the bloc, particularly in the context of ongoing international relations. The timing suggests a deliberate effort to meet accession criteria and demonstrate commitment to EU standards. For Russia and Belarus, this signifies a tightening of travel access to a European nation, potentially impacting tourism and other forms of transit. The broader implication is the increasing divergence of foreign policy alignment among Balkan nations seeking EU membership.
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