The Netherlands has officially filed a request for bringing back the visa regime to the people of Albania.
In a letter sent to the Commissioner of Emigration and Foreign Affairs, Dimitris Avramopulos, they ask the European Commission to take in consideration their request for banning all Albanian citizens from traveling visa-free to the Schengen area.
The Dutch Parliament voted in favor of this proposition in April, and their argument was that there has been an increase of criminals from Albania into their country, although the official figures were showing an insignificant number of Albanian suspects, and their own Foreign Minister insisted that such a measure would only complicate the relations with our country.
Top Channel asked the Embassy of the Netherlands about the letter sent to the European Commission. The Embassy explained that the Commission will now review the information sent by the Netherlands and will discuss the decision with the other countries.
“The Dutch Parliament requested the Dutch government on the 16th of April to invoke the visa suspension mechanism for Albania due to concerns on organized crime. To execute this motion the Dutch government sent a notification to the European Commission on the 31st of May.
In this letter the Commission is asked to examine the information provided by the Netherlands and, in consultation with the Member States, to decide on the need to take action.
The Netherlands appreciates the forthcoming and constructive cooperation with the Albanian government and authorities on fighting organized crime. Both countries are working on the further strengthening of this cooperation.
Following the notification, the European Commission will assess whether action is needed. The Commission will inform the European Parliament and the Council on the results of its assessment.
Until further notice, visa policy regarding Albanian citizens will remain the same: Albanian citizens with a biometric passport do not require a visa to travel to the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days”, says the statement issued by the Dutch Embassy.
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