Eurodeputs call on the EU for visa liberalisation for Kosovo: As soon as possible

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee approved today a report for the Western Balkans, which requires stronger European Union involvement in Western Balkan countries, continued funding of candidate countries, and confirmed that the accession process is aimed at full EU membership.

The European Union must ensure that its enlargement methodology supports reforms and supports full membership as the ultimate goal of accession countries, the Eurodeputs concluded at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee in recommendations adopted for the Western Balkans today, the statement said.

It is recommended that the EU engage more in Western Balkan countries, help in the fight against corruption and promote regional co-operation, and provide adequate pre-accession funds that will affect citizens of Western Balkan countries.

It has been said that in the political, security and EU own economy interest, accession negotiations with Albania and northern Macedonia were decided to open.

Eurodeputs called on the EU to allow visa liberalisation in Kosovo as soon as possible.

They also urged the EU that representatives of Western Balkan states -- ahead of their EU entry -- join European initiatives, such as sectoral policies and programmes, including the Conference on Europe's future.

The statement reportedly should ensure that reforms in the Western Balkans focus on building state capacities, implementing judgments, reforming the judiciary and fighting corruption and organised crime.

The EU must increasingly engage in resolving outstanding bilateral issues in the region, promoting good neighbourly relations and regional co-operation, the document said.

Eurodeputs oppose any lowering funds before EU accession that could slow the required reforms needed to join the Union.

The EU believes that priority should be given to projects that benefit the people of the Western Balkans and ensure that pre-accession funds are set apart transparent, proportional and non-discrimination, based on performance indicators measuring the progress made by countries in implementing reform.

“This report is a clear sign of European Parliament support for the aspirations and efforts of Western Balkan countries to become EU members when all criteria are met,” said the rapporteur The EP, Tony Picula.

According to him, enlargement policy is also a precondition to promote the EU's presence and strategic interest in the Western Balkans, which should be seen as something that is in common interest.