Deliu Kodra welcomes EP support for visa liberalisation

Blerta Deliu Kodra, chairman of the Commission for European Integration in the Kosovo Assembly, has welcomed the parliamentary debate held yesterday in the European Parliament for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens, as well as the decision made today.

Also, it has thanked the Euro-Deputate Tanja Fajon, the rapporteur, for her continued commitment and work in supporting the right of Kosovo citizens to be given the possibility of free visa movement in the Schengen area.

“Despite the fact that Kosovo institutions since July 2018 have fulfilled all the criteria set out by the Guide for Visa Liberalisation, whose fulfillment is confirmed by the European Commission and Parliament, has been the Council, which has not taken action in this direction”, Deliu-Codra has said.

Therefore, this meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg is seen as an opportunity to pressure and encourage the Council as soon as it makes a fair decision for Kosovo citizens, who are the only citizens in the Western Balkans who have not benefited from the visa-free movement agreement.

“Madje, the lack of the EU institution's decision -- that is, the Council -- for free movement -- is afraid it is affecting the discouragement of Kosovo's citizens and, as a result, the loss of confidence in EU institutions”, said in the statement by President Blerta Deliu-Codra.