No more excuses or delays, continue dialogue with Serbia

Deutsche Welle: European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopolois recently announced in Brussels that Kosovo has met all criteria set for visa liberalisation. What does this positive decision mean for Kosovo now?

Tanya Fajon: The European Commission recognises and praises the efforts of Kosovo authorities. This is a very positive and important step for Kosovo. With the delivery of the final green light, the Commission paves the way for visa removal for Kosovo citizens. This clearly finds that Pristina has eventually met the remaining conditions. Now the ball is in the hands of the European Parliament and the governments of EU countries to accept it. I wish all those responsible in Kosovo and I sincerely hope that Pristina will continue to bring good results.

Do you think other obstacles can arise during this finish?

I expect the governments of EU countries to react responsibly. So to follow the European Commission's recommendation to abolish visas with Kosovo citizens as soon as possible. The same applies to the European Parliament.

Are any member states likely to block this liberalisation?

There are no more reasons for excuses or delays. On the other hand, my advice to Kosovo politicians is to continue their efforts and dialogue with Brussels and the EU capitals to gain strong support and their faith. That's the key to success. Kosovo needs to maintain credibility and build strong alliances with EU countries and its institutions.

How do you expect the European Parliament's decision?

In the European Parliament, I, as a rapporteur for visa liberalisation with Kosovo, will issue a decision to vote immediately after the summer holidays at the LIBE Committee (The European Parliament's Committee on Civil Freedom Affairs, Justice and Home Affairs). In the last week of August, I expect colleagues to follow my recommendation. We've worked hard in this direction and every step is important. If everything works as planned, we'll have the vote in the Plenum most likely in September. That's what I want. Kosovo deserves visa liberalisation, especially young people deserve better prospects.

When do you think it would be behind this most likely date of Kosovo citizens' visa-free travel to the Schengen area?

Every step is important, as I said. We're too close to the final round. This means adding strength to all, but first and especially to fulfilling all criteria. This is the best guarantee to ensure the visa-free travel of Kosovo citizens as soon as possible. My personal wish is, that we can say at the end of this mandate of the European Parliament, and at the end of my mandate as a rapporteur for visa liberalisation for Kosovo that we succeeded. This would be a situation where all sides have won.

Tanja Fajon is the Slovenian Social Democrat Eurodeput in the European Parliament and reporting for Kosovo in the European Parliament on the visa liberalisation issue.