Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Marko Đurić, submitted several proposals to the National Assembly on June 10th, 2025. The proposals include agreements to remove visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders from certain countries, and a new law to improve air quality.
The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially released this update and informed of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen foreign relations and align domestic policy with European Union standards.
Visa-Free Travel Agreements for Diplomats and Officials
Đurić presented a group of bilateral agreements to the National Assembly that would allow visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and official passports from twelve countries. These include:
São Tomé and Príncipe, Togo, the Maldives, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Uzbekistan, Ghana, Nepal, the Republic of the Congo, Tajikistan, Eswatini, and Saint Lucia.
Đurić stated, “These agreements reflect Serbia’s intent to expand international cooperation and continue the tradition of building partnerships around the world.”
He added that they are also linked to broader goals such as strengthening the country’s diplomatic presence, increasing international visits ahead of Expo 2027, and supporting national interests in foreign policy.
According to the Ministry, these agreements are part of a broader diplomatic initiative to enhance Serbia’s visibility and engagement with countries across continents.
Linking Diplomacy with Economic and Political Strategy
During the session, Đurić noted the role of foreign policy in safeguarding the country’s national interests, particularly concerning Kosovo and Metohija. He also highlighted Serbia’s diplomatic network as an asset in international affairs.
“The Republic of Serbia today enjoys an impressive network of friends on the international stage,” Đurić said. “The strength of this network was demonstrated when we defended our national interests in the face of a resolution that, if passed, would have affected national unity.”
He also reiterated that the country will continue to conduct an independent and nationally focused foreign policy while remaining committed to dialogue and stability. The legislation under discussion forms part of a broader diplomatic and institutional strategy directed at increasing Serbia’s global cooperation while maintaining control over its core interests.
E-Visa Plans and Diplomatic Service Expansion
The Minister announced the country’s intention to implement an e-visa system soon. This is intended to simplify travel processes and support the growing number of diplomatic agreements. Đurić also confirmed plans to expand the Ministry’s diplomatic and consular network and improve human resources through a public recruitment initiative titled “Be a Serbian Diplomat.”
He noted, “We are implementing all of this with the lowest per capita cost compared to any country in our immediate region.”
The Ministry stated that this approach ensures cost-efficiency while broadening the country’s diplomatic capacity.
New Environmental Legislation Presented Alongside Visa Proposals
In addition to foreign policy legislation, Đurić presented the Draft Law on Air Protection. This proposal aims to align the country’s environmental policies with updated European Union regulations. The draft includes stricter requirements for air quality monitoring, more transparent information-sharing obligations, and expanded penalties for non-compliance.
“The law sets out a much clearer, stricter, and more precise obligation to inform the public,” said Đurić. “Penalty provisions have also been expanded, which is highly significant.”
He noted that over five hundred suggestions were submitted during the public consultation process, with more than two hundred integrated into the final draft. The law will introduce new standards for professional air quality measurement and timely public communication.
The proposals are currently under review during the National Assembly’s session. If passed, they will contribute to Serbia’s foreign policy agenda and regulatory alignment with European standards ahead of major international events, including Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
