The funk that was celebrated in 2016 was visa liberalisation: Be optimistic tomorrow after tomorrow

A final positive decision for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens appears to be on the horizon. Such an opportunity may be the next meeting of the European Council on June 23rd-24th, which also cased with the EU summit with leaders of the Western Balkans. While at this meeting The EU is expected to be very liberal towards Ukraine, (based on the positive recommendation of the European Commission), the loss of this case from the EU to make a positive decision for Kosovo, would also be a strategic mistake in its approach to the most pro-European people in Europe. However, such a concession would never surprise anyone, for it would be just one more gaffe on the list of major European policy concessions in relation to Kosovo and Kosovars. Unfortunately, the list of non-EU actions in the relationship with Kosovo is too long to elaborate here, but the fact is that five member states have still not recognised Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state”, he wrote.

In addition, the former minister who had once celebrated visa liberalisation with the opening of champagne at his offices in 2016, says even the geopolitical situation is in favour of ours.

“Whatever it is, an optimism dosage we should have, not only for the fact that Kosovo has long fulfilled all its obligations, but also because actually a favourable new geopolitical context has been created, as a result of Russia's military aggression in Ukraine and the completion of electoral cycles in EU member states, which carry the main burden for foreign and security policy within the EU (eg. France). Despite these favourable circumstances, there is still no guarantee that the decision to abolish visas for Kosovo will be made during this meeting. This certainly depends on the political will of the EU member states themselves, which have recently given positive signals, which can be read and understood by anyone paying attention to political developments on the continent.”, he added.