German presidency, golden opportunity for visa liberalisation

Although the publication of the official German presidency programme does not specifically mention Kosovo, the visa liberalisation agenda is considered easily possible if there is will by EU member states themselves.

The EU chairmanship from Germany, Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti commented today, who said Kosovo remains committed to maintaining visa liberalisation criteria.

“We remain committed to maintaining the conditions we have met so far in terms of visa liberalisation”, he said.

Good opportunities for visa liberalisation in the next six months also see European integration connoisseur Besnik Vasolli.

“In principle Germany is Kosovo's most golden opportunity, but does not depend entirely on it. Here we also need to help, but they too will lobby and see how they can see from this aspect”, he says of Kosovas.

Meanwhile, institute director “EPIC”, Demush Shasha for Kosova Prees says Kosovo has not had better access to liberalisation

The next six months are our best opportunity for visa liberalisation since 2016”, he says.

But, according to him, good will for dialogue with Serbia must continue to be shown, as well as co-operation with the Special Court and Euex.

The “to continue to show good will in the dialogue with Serbia, especially after the latest developments, will be expected by Kosovo for the next six months, but in a long run, to provide full co-operation with the Special Court and Euex. These are a direct request regarding visa liberalisation”, he says.

Former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj also hopes that under Germany's chairmanship, Kosovo will gain visa liberalisation.

“I have no doubt that during Germany's six-month mandate at the helm of the EU, a new energy will complete the visa liberalisation process for Kosovo citizens and advance Kosovo's integration processes in European Union organisations and institutions, Haradinaj has written on his Facebook profile.

Weeks ago, even a group of European Parliament deputies sent letter to Chancellor Angela Merkel, asking that visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens be put on the agenda during the EU presidency from Germany.

Otherwise, the Council is the main EU decision-making body. Together with the European Parliament, he bears responsibility for adopting EU laws. The EU Council consists of the ministers of national governments of all EU member states. The responsible ministers on the topic discussed are participating in the meetings.

Every six months, a different member state takes over the EU presidency, meaning conducting these meetings and drafting the overall political agenda.