EP President: Unfair, calls for visa liberalisation for Kosovo are facing deaf ears

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has criticised the European Union for reluctant to liberalise visas for Kosovo, saying the European Parliament's calls for this to be done are facing deaf ears. She has said that in a video speech at a conference for Bulgaria's developed Western Balkans.

With the fact that we have met all our demands, Kosovo citizens continue to need visas to enter the European Union. Repeated calls by the European Parliament have run into deaf ears. Not only is this unfair, but it also undermines EU credibility and makes us weaker”, she has said.

Metsola, as well, has demanded that the date be set for starting membership negotiations with Albania and Macedonia North. She has said that Serbia “is seriously stuck in adapting its positions to those of the EU.

European Parliament President Metsola has warned that Russia is trying to destabilise the Western Balkans and the EU must be vigilant.

“War Fantzams are still alive in the Balkans, but EU integration will bring a fresh air much needed to overcome the past. This integration is essential for the Balkans, but also for the EU”, she has said.

Calling the EU enlargement process a major success with transforming powers, it has reiterated that the European Parliament will continue to be a major supporter of enlargement.

The European Parliament has been seeking visa liberalisation for Kosovo for years and the launch of membership negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia. In Kosovo's case, Parliament has also given the necessary consent following the European Commission's recommendation.

But the European Parliament's positions are not legally binding for EU member states. And final decisions are adopted by the Council by member states. /REL