13 minutes agoBislimi credits Government for EU ambassadors' decision on visa liberalisation
Periskopi(4 years ago)
(4 years ago)First Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi has said that today's decision on visa liberalisation no further than January 1st of 2024 is an important step, saying it comes after a long process of meeting with sceptical countries. “has been a long process of consulting with countries [...]
“has been a long process of consulting with skeptical countries, where we have received the source of the problem. We've handled it and stressed that our country over the past year has seen major progress in the field of rule of law, fighting corruption, strengthening border controls and managing migration. Work, commitment and commitment to this process were reaffirmed today and by all EU member states”, Bislimi wrote on Facebook.
“we welcome agreement between the ambassadors of the European Union member states to pass the process towards the next stages, until the final decision”.
The Minister for European Integration said he now expects the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to pass procedures quickly.
After many years of stalling of extended expectations, the visa liberalisation issue moves forward in the decision-making procedures in EU institutions, where the next phase is the inter-institution between the EU Council and the European Parliament, where we expect the procedures to be passed quickly and return to the Council of Ministers for the final” decision, Bislimi said.
All in the end, he thanked the Czech Presidency of the EU Council for its commitment to pushing ahead this process, as well as member states for support.
“Thank you for the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, for their particular attention and dedication to the postponement of the visa liberalisation process, as well as all member states that have actively supported the Republic of Kosovo in this process”, Bislim concluded.
Ambassadors of European Union member states have agreed Wednesday to give the European Council the mandate to negotiate the visa liberalisation process for Kosovo with the European Parliament.
The text is compiled by Chechia, who has current EU leadership, following several meetings of working groups and bilateral discussions with countries that have had remarks.
According to the document, the visa-free movement for Kosovo citizens will be possible when the European travel system goes into effect, E TIAS, and the date for that is November 1st, 2023.
But, if there is delays for this system, visa liberalisation for Kosovo will enter into force no later than on January 1st 2024.
