Liberalisation can occur before we think of it, "speaks Kosovo rapporteur"

The several-year visa liberalisation barrier for Kosovars has entered its final phase since the European Commission (KE) has given positive recommendation for the free movement of citizens of the newest state in Europe.

The European Commission's positive signal for visa liberalisation for Kosovo is the major step for free movement for Kosovo citizens, has declared news.net, European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo Igor Sholtes.

“We eagerly expected this important signal from the European Commission confirming that Kosovo met the criteria required for lifting visa requirements for its citizens. This is a major step towards visa liberalisation and freedom of movement, one of the fundamental principles of the EU, now can finally become reality for Kosovo citizens”, Sholtes has said.

There have been various dates about when the end will be to the isolation of Kosovo citizens, while Solters says the decision can be made after summer holidays.

After summer break, we must make sure that we move quickly with all necessary procedures. This will first be put on the committee agenda LIBE) that will happen immediately after the break, then the decision will come from the European Parliament, which I am convinced will give the green light to the visa-free regime at the beginning of autumn”, the Kosovo rapporteur for the EP news.

Some of the European Union's powerful states have expressed reservations to visa liberalisation for Kosovars.

It is Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and Chekhia who fear the possible wave of immigrants, just as happened two years ago and is still continuing.

But the risk also comes from five EU countries that have not yet recognised Kosovo's independence as Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus.

And in this skeptical respect, Sholtes, who says: “, however, the most difficult part will be voting at Council”.

“I hope member states follow the example of the European Commission and Parliament. It is time for Kosovo citizens to enjoy the same opportunities and to receive the same treatment as their neighbours. This should no longer be postponed, especially when the requirements are proved to have been met. I sincerely hope that the green light for visa liberalisation will be given by the end of this year”, he said.

We remember, that European Union Commissioner (BE) for Migration, Internal Affairs and State, Dimitris Avramopollos, communicated on July 18th the European Commission's report, saying Kosovo has already met all criteria for visa liberalisation.

We can confirm that Kosovo has met the criteria for visa liberalisation. We can say that much has been done in this regard. Let me congratulate the authorities in Kosovo on the work done towards liberalisation”, was the statement that Avramoopoulos had said.