The European Commission rejected the Dutch request to re-introduce visas for Albanian citizens who wish to visit EU member states.

The Dutch Parliament voted to demand this move on May 31st, but the ultimate decision making lies with the European Commission. The public in the Netherlands was angered by reports of high crime rates among Albanian immigrants.

Brussels informed The Hague that, after an examination of its request, and given available data, the Commission doesn’t believe that the conditions to revoke the visa free regime for Albanian citizens are in place.