Oct. 7 the European Parliament approved a proposal that will allow visa-free travel within the Schengen area for Albanian and Bosnian citizens.
The proposal will face stiff opposition from France when it is submitted for approval by all 27 EU members in the EU Council of Ministers, according to EurActiv.
Having just expelled their Roma populations, France opposes the lifting of visa requirements for Bosnians and Albanians. Some of those deported by France were Eu nationals of Romanian and Bulgarian origin.
French officials criticized the European Commission for pursuing visa liberalization talks with Western Balkan countries for "political reasons" and neglecting the "risks" associated with opening up the EU's borders.
