Brussels, 06/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 14 July, the European Commission will put forward a proposal aimed at exempting three countries of the Balkans - the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Serbia and Montenegro - from the visa requirement as of 1 January 2010. The proposal aims to amend the 2001 regulation establishing the list of third countries whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements to cross the external borders of member states (EUROPE 9922). As far as Serbia is concerned, visa liberalisation should apply to citizens residing on the territory of the Serb Republic, but not to those on the territory of Kosovo. The aim is to have the amendment adopted by 30 November so that EU home ministers may approve effective waiver of the visa regime which is to take effect as of 1 January 2010. Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina will have to wait as they do not yet meet the criteria allowing them to waive the visa requirement. (B.C./transl.jl)