Belgrade: 1 December 2009

The European Fund for the Balkans in partnership with Gallup Europe organized a panel discussion in order to promote the 2009 results of the Gallup Balkan Monitor - yearly survey which shows the distinct views of people from the Western Balkans on a variety of economic, social and political issues concerning each country and the region as a whole.

The panel discussion “Visa free travel throughout the EU – from a Balkan ‘ghetto’ to a speedy integration” was held at the Media Center in Belgrade on December 1. The panel was opened by Ms Hedvig Morvai Horvat – EFB Executive Director and moderated by B92 journalist Ms Danica Vucinic. The panelists were Ms. Milica Delevic- Director of the EU Integration Office of Serbia, Mr Ivan Vejvoda – Director of the Balkan Fund for Democracy and Mr Vladimir Todoric – Director of the Law Forum. The panelists expressed their views and debated about the issue of visa liberalisation, good and bad consequences of abolishing visas for the citizens of Serbia traveling to the Schengen Area countries, benefits of Serbia’s EU accession, satisfaction of life standard in Serbia, very high level of dissatisfaction with the work of Serbia’s government and various other political, social and economic topics which were part of Gallup Balkan Monitor survey.

The panel was visited by various representatives of media, nongovernmental organizations, foundations and think tanks, respective ambassadors and other guests.
For detailed results of Gallup Balkan Monitor please visit: http://www.balkan-monitor.eu