Von Croamon: Grenelli wanted to bypass the EU for dialogue

European Parliament Rapporteur for Kosovo Violet von Cranmon Taubadel says he has been critical of Ambassador Green's approach about his efforts to resume Kosovo's (Serbia) dialogue for the fact that, according to her, the US official wanted to bypass the EU and the former democratic government (V. Kurti government).

In the exclusive interview for Kosovo, she says Kosovo citizens have deserved liberalisation just as all other Western Balkan countries, while adding that the issue of visa liberalisation for Kosovo does not relate to progress during the negotiations process between Kosovo and Serbia.

Von Croamon pages for the possibility of visa liberalisation during the six-month German presidency of the European Union, France's stance about liberalisation, its expectations of Kosovo-Serbia negotiations, expectations by the government Hoti etc.

Full Interview

Interviewed: Fadil Miftari

Kosovaress: Miss Von Croamon, you are a rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, and we would like to have your opinion on the political situation in Kosovo. From your point of view, is political stability actually in Kosovo?

Von Croamon: I think the political situation is very fragile at the moment in Kosovo, but I hope that the country can work together and now, especially because of the pandemic, a decisive action is needed, we need a stronger policy to work in composition and a clear mechanism and quick decision to stop pandemic. It is the responsibility of all political acts to ensure that decisions are made and then implemented.

Kosovaress: You have been very critical against the collapse of Kurti Government, at a critical time for Kosovo citizens such as the pandemic. The motion has already occurred, have you changed your mind now?

Von Croamon: I raised my concerns when the decision was made, but I was always puzzled by the behaviour of some political groups in Kosovo, as well as by some foreign acts to bring down this democratic government after just 50 days. Not only I, but many experts had serious concerns about whether it was in accordance with the Constitution, but the Constitutional Court ruled in a certain way that we should respect. This is a key issue in a democratic country, so we can accept a court's decision. Of course, that wasn't a black and white question, and unfortunately the Constitutional text didn't make it easy to see clearly, but the new government is in the country and will, of course, work together with them as I did with the previous government.

Kosovaress: Surely you are closely following developments within Kosovo, please tell us your opinion of the impressions regarding the Hoti Government?

Von Croamon: I can say, I am happy to see dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade being resumed again by the EU, and I know Mr. Hoti is very committed to the success of the dialogue. It is difficult to assess their work after such a short time; especially many issues in Kosovo cannot be resolved quickly, such as corruption, rule of law, health or educational system. These reforms take longer time and profound changes, but I have full hope that Hoti Government will prove its readiness to act. In the current situation, we see almost very high numbers of cases with COVID 19. I am aware that hospital capacities are limited and the situation is becoming even more critical. Therefore and for the sake of citizens' health, I really recommend that you listen to medical experts and apply stricter measures to prevent more cases than we have seen in recent days.

Kosovaress: You have also been a strong critic in the way of American efforts, or more precisely, of Ambassador Greenell, for the resumption of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. What was the problem?

Von Croamon: Mr. Grenelli wanted to bypass the EU and the former democratic government (v.in Kurti Government). If you were to look at the time and way of his statements, it was not intended to help the EU at all. I've said that if we want long-term stability in the region, we'll need the EU and the US, we can't share them and we have to have a dialogue, with the EU at the driver's place.

Kosovaress: European leadership efforts to find a solution between Kosovo and Serbia have increased so much that key European leaders, such as: President Macron, Chancellor Merkel, EU foreign policy chief Mr. Snow and others. What do you expect from this process?

Von Croamon: I am happy to see a broader interest in the stability of the Western Balkans. I expect that soon there will be tangible results in negotiations, of course, I cannot say when or how exactly, but since all sides are interested in a deal, I hope it will be possible to have a final decision, which can pave the way for European integration as a long-term goal.

Kosovaress: Let's talk a little bit about the problem of visa liberalisation for Kosovars, as you know of the people of Kosovo, this is a very serious concern that, among other things, in Kosovo there is some kind of insult to the fact that only Kosovo has remained without visa liberalisation from all other Western Balkan states. What's going on with this process?

Von Croamon: That depends only on the Council to decide, they should have decided two years ago, I hope that during the current chairmanship of the Council by the Germans will be brought to the Council's agenda and a decision will soon be made. I have written a letter recently with 32 other colleagues asking Chancellor Merkel that the visa liberalisation issue be discussed in the coming months.

Kosovaress: Politicians in Kosovo have repeatedly argued the failure of visa liberalisation with policy-related issues, once the border problem with Montenegro, then tariffs and other things at a patriotic level. I wanted a sincere opinion from you if the visa liberalisation process for Kosovo citizens relates to progress in the dialogue process with Serbia?

Von Croamon: In my opinion, it's not like that. Of course it should not be, because visa liberalisation has been a formal requirement with clear standards along the process. There is no room for political consideration in an official process like this. But then again, I'm not the one to decide. Last time just two weeks ago in June, the European Parliament has strengthened its support for the liberalisation of Kosovo's visas with an overwhelming majority.

Kosovaress: Do you think Kosovo diplomacy has neglected the factor of Germany and France in recent years, while last year President Macro seemed to want to show that without these two factors Kosovo's path towards the EU is impossible? (I mean the blockade he did in integration processes for Albania and northern Macedonia, but Kosovo too)

Von Croamon: There are a number of factors why France is so hesitant when it comes to enlargement and EU relations with the Western Balkans in general. France's focus has always been on other parts around Europe, mainly in the Middle East and Africa, and has a number of domestic and international considerations, as well as for President Macron. At least they have changed their little position about enlargement; the new methodology was acceptable to them. Many of us within the EU but also from the Western Balkans themselves are trying to persuade the French public and French politicians to pay more attention to the countries of the Western Balkans. These six countries are right next to us, history, economy, our societies are interconnected. If the EU cannot have a single voice in our close family, in countries that want to co-operate with us, countries that are willing to make serious reforms for better co-operation, then how can we hope that the EU can have real global voice and power?

Kosovaress: In Kosovo there is a general perception that after Germany assumed the European Union presidency, the issue of visa liberalisation will occur within this six-month period. In this regard, what would you say to the citizens of Kosovo?

Von Croamon: I have tried to make sure that there are many people in Berlin who understand the problem and I hope that they will be able to facilitate a decision on the Council, because we are losing our credibility when we are not fulfilling our promise. Citizens of Kosovo have deserved liberalisation, as have all other countries.