The EU urged Bosnian authorities on Friday to tell their citizens that being allowed to travel to the European Union without a visa does not mean an unlimited stay, jobs or social benefits.

The EU is ending visa requirements for Bosnians and Albanians next month.

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstroem said the bloc does not want to see mass abuse of the new travel freedom, otherwise the visa requirement will be reimposed.

“We hope we will not reach that stage,” she said.

Belgian Migration State Secretary Melchior Wathelet agreed, saying “visa liberalization does not mean that you are allowed to seek asylum, that you will get money from member states, that you will get social support from the member states, that you will be allowed to work in the EU.”

Last year, the EU dropped visa requirements for Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, and some member states complained about a sudden rise in illegal immigrants and unfounded asylum claims.

Political analyst Zekerijah Smajic said the EU shouldn’t fear a huge influx of illegal immigrants from Bosnia since the nation only has 4 million citizens.

But they include tens of thousands of Roma, of Gypsies, who have caused some controversy by moving around Europe as borders open. In recent months, France has expelled more than 1,000 Roma immigrants, mostly to Romania, and demolished hundreds of illegal Roma camps.

Bosnian Prime Minister Nikola Spiric told his country Friday the visa liberalization “is not a right without obligation” and that it requires “responsible behaviour.” His government plans a public information campaign, including brochures, TV and radio ads.

By Aida Cerkez
Associated Press

• A Permanent Economic Emergency