Borrell: Support visa liberalisation for Kosovo
(4 years ago)European top diplomats at the regular meeting held Monday discussed the situation in the Western Balkans, at a time when Russia's aggression against Ukraine is continuing. Their colleagues from countries in the region joined European ministers in an informal debate. The EU has said it welcomes the fact that Kosovo as a whole has supported [...] attitudes.
The EU has said it welcomes the fact that Kosovo as a whole has supported EU attitudes and sanctions against Russia, although formally it has not been imposed. While there has been criticism of Serbia, it is the only state of the region that has not supported those positions.
Kosovo dialogue ) Serbia has been the topic of discussion, while EU sources say it has agreed that the Western Balkans should be sent a clear message. It has also been said that visa liberalisation for Kosovo should happen as soon as possible.
European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell has said they support visa liberalisation for Kosovo.
He has said the European Commission has submitted several times as a matter and has announced that all criteria for liberalisation have been met.
“We support visa liberalisation for Kosovo”, he has said.
Borrell has said they have also talked about the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, adding that all preliminary agreements must be respected.
He has said another meeting between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Aleksandar Vuciq could be held before the start of summer.
“We must build confidence between the sides, we must bring good atmosphere within meetings. We hope that before the summer we will be able to hold another meeting between the prime minister of Kosovo and the president of Serbia”, he has said.
According to sources from the meeting, some foreign ministers of EU member states have warned that it is necessary for Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia, as do other countries in the region.
Prior to the meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated the importance of supporting the EU for sanctions by all partners in the Western Balkans, “not only in terms of common values, but also in issues of strategic importance”.
A document that was the subject of discussion among EU ministers, and in which Radio Free Europe has access, suggests Serbia is expected to decide on its strategic choice.
Serbia is expected to leave no doubt in its strategic choice for European integration and dedication to EU values in order to progress on the road to EU membership. A full commitment is needed for accelerated reforms regarding the EU, especially in the area of rule of law. Serbia is the key to stability and security in the region”, the document says. /Periscopi/