Czech top diplomat after the visa decision for Kosovo: We will return this promise to reality.

Ambassadors of EU member states have agreed today on the Council's mandate to negotiate the regulation for visa-free travel for Kosovars.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has said that on the basis of this mandate, the Czech Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament.

“Today we have taken an important step towards establishing visa-free travel for Kosovo citizens. Now we believe that we will be able to reach an agreement with the European Parliament soon to turn that promise into reality. Visa liberalisation was defeated by Kosovo's focus on strengthening border protection, migration management and security. We are confident that this good co-operation will continue to develop even in the future”, Lipavsky said.

Under the Council's stance, visa liberalisation will be implemented by the European Information System and Travel Authorisation date (ETIAS), and in any case later on January 1st, 2024.