Brussels, 07/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - As announced, on Wednesday 7 May, Commission Vice-President Jacques Barrot officially presented the roadmap easing the visa system with regard to Serbia (see EUROPE 9652). “The time of isolation for Serbia is over,” Barrot said. The roadmap “will encourage Serbia to implement relevant reforms and reinforce cooperation at regional level and with the EU in areas such as strengthening the rule of law, fighting organised crime and corruption,” he added, a press release reports. The roadmap follows a balanced approach setting benchmarks which are realistic and achievable in the near future, the Commission says. It sets clear requirements for the reforms to be implemented in key areas such as security of documents, border management, fight against illegal migration, fight against organised crime and corruption and fundamental rights. The Commission will report regularly on the implementation of the roadmap and will consider presenting a proposal to the Council of the EU for the lifting of the visa obligation for Serbian citizens. Since 1 January 2008, Serbian citizens have enjoyed the benefits of a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union (see EUROPE 9505). On 6 May, 17 European countries undertook to grant free visas to Serbian nationals (see EUROPE 9656). On 29 April, Serbia and the EU signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (see EUROPE 9583 and 9653). (B.C.)