Berlin  -  In a gesture to public opinion in Serbia, 15 European Union countries said Tuesday they would end visa charges for most Serbs as a first step towards later allowing them visa-free entry.

The joint statement, issued in Berlin by the German Foreign Ministry, said the European Commission had suggested up to 80 per cent of applicants should obtain the travel visas at no charge, ensuring that "most" Serbians under the age of 25 could travel free.

The countries abolishing the fees were France, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

No precise details were given, but Serbs are still likely to have to apply for visas for many destinations before they leave home.

The Commission and the EU's Slovenian presidency had proposed on April 18 eliminating the unpopular fees for Serbians and citizens of other non-EU nations in the western Balkans as a sign of EU support for Serbia taking a "European orientation."

With a crossroads election coming up, the EU has supported the pro-EU faction and advertised to Serbian voters the benefits of closer relations with the European Union leading to EU membership.

Large numbers of Serbian citizens live and work in western Europe. (dpa)