Brussels, 03/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements between the EU and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia took effect on 1 January 2008. Nationals of these five countries of the Western Balkans will continue to enjoy reduced visa handling fees (€35 instead of €60). Many categories of applicants may also now obtain visas free of charge (EUROPE 9505). In most cases, visa procedures have been simplified. In addition, with the recent enlargement of the Schengen Area, applicants from the above-mentioned countries will be able to apply for a single Schengen visa only. In this context, the Slovenian Presidency welcomed, in a press release, the European Commission's important step towards visa liberalisation with these five countries with a view to establishing a roadmap on conditions to be met. Agreements will be valid for all EU countries except Demark, the United Kingdom and Ireland. (B.C.)