18/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced on Friday 18 January that it was opening talks with Serbia to get rid of visas for Serbian nationals travelling to the EU. The first technical meeting will take place in Belgrade on 30 January, said European Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, quoted by his spokesman. “This dialogue is tangible proof of the EU's political commitment to Serbia's European orientation,” the spokesman said. This announcement comes two days before Serbian presidential elections, scheduled for Sunday 20 January in a tense situation dominated by negotiations on Kosovo. Discussions on a “no visa scheme” should ultimately allow Serbian citizens to travel freely to the EU. The dialogue could be begun after readmission and visa facilitation agreements came into force on 1 January 2008. It is expected that similar discussions will be held with other countries in the region “over the coming weeks and months,” the spokesman said. The Commission also welcomed Serbia's introduction of biometric passports in March of this year. (B.C.)