Osmani before Europe: The visas have gone too far. Let us in.

President Vjosa Osmani is representing the state of Kosovo at the European Union Summit with Western Balkan countries in Brussels.

In her speech at the meeting with leaders of the countries of the European Union and the Western Balkans, she has expressed with great concern the demand for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens.

The one before the leaders on this summit said:

This has just gone too far. My citizens feel discriminated against, despite being the most pro-European people and fulfilling all criteria for 4 years. They remain isolated in the heart of the continent where” live.

For more, read the full speech President Osmani received at the EU Summit in Brussels:

My full speech at the European Union and Western Balkans leaders' meeting:

Excellent.

Dear colleagues,

Our continent is in a state of emergency, so I will not waste much time reaching the main point. Ukraine is under siege, with its values, freedoms and way of life under attack. This is an attack on us too.

And if someone thinks that lasting peace and stability in Europe is possible without the Western Balkans integrated into Euro-Atlantic structures, I have to say, as someone who has experienced the darkest side of war and destruction, that this is not possible.

I didn't come here for empty political statements, but with the best intentions to talk about the consequences for our entire continent if the integration of the Western Balkans was further delayed.

War in Ukraine marks more than one turning point for our continent. She has redefined our future. It should be an incentive for accelerated action by the EU, to those states that aim to membership, and most importantly, those states that belong here.

There are many dimensions of what is happening in Ukraine that differ from the case of Kosovo, but after all, I think there are two things that really highlight the similarities of our experiences. First and foremost, it is extraordinary human suffering, in the face of a brutal genocide war against a lily people. And the second is support from the international community. Your unity today reminds me of the international community's determination to come to our rescue in 1999.

The people of Kosovo know what it is like to fight even when victory may seem impossible, so we stay with the people of Ukraine today, as among the first countries to join sanctions against Russia and offer our support to refugees.

There's a way to Moscow and a road to Brussels these roads are never crossed and are farther than ever. From this perspective, Russian satellites in our region should not be tolerated, much less accommodated.

23 years after Milosevic's genocide war, Kosovo is a dynamic democracy and since our new institutions took office last spring, we have strengthened rule of law and democratic governance.

Dear colleagues,

Politics starts and ends with people. So I am determined not only to represent the voice of my citizens better today but also to make sure that we improve their lives for the better.

Despite remarkable progress, the people of Kosovo want more opportunities and progress. They want a visa-free regime to see, feel and experience Europe.

I want to talk back here about the enormous importance of visa liberalisation, in the hope that this time you will really listen to us.

This has just gone too far. My citizens feel discriminated against, despite being the most pro-European people and fulfilling all criteria for 4 years. They remain isolated in the heart of the continent where they live.

The irony is that we are here as equal members of the international community, discussing the European agenda, but of course I sit among you today as the only person at this table who has to get a visa to participate in this summit.

To put things in perspective, there are visa liberalisations for distant countries like Venezuela, but Kosovo citizens living in a short distance by car, living in your neighbourhood, cannot travel freely. That is a great injustice. Kosovo has done its part, now it is your turn.

The very existence of the EU and the values it represents are irreplaceable. But the values in our region, without a clear perspective, do not only result in being politically unstable and vulnerable, but these very values are at risk of being depreciated.

The non-integration of democratic Western Balkan countries poses a major security threat to all of Europe, as it leaves the region vulnerable to acts and leadership threats.

I believe all who are sitting here remember it clearly and agree that Croatia and Slovenia's EU membership only strengthened the EU position. The membership of northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania in NATO only strengthened regional peace and stability, did not weaken it.

Kosovo is not only in the corner of Europe. It is and will always be in the heart of Europe. The Western Balkans are not a simple neighbourhood, it is a natural part of Europe and a strategic interest in lasting peace and stability on this continent. That is why this year we have decided to apply for candidate status in the EU, and we hope that the Council's next meeting will support our application.

The European Union's indecisiveness to our region would create opportunities for Russia, something no reasonable leader in this room should want. This indecisiveness would also lead to the frustration of citizens, which would allow Russia to reinforce its gear.

We count on your leadership and determination. We will never leave our Euro-Atlantic path. We've never looked in the other direction and never will.

It is time for bold decisions, not half-steps, in terms of integration. Kosovo and the democratic countries of the Western Balkans deserve better. We're here by your side and we're part of this family. Let us in!

Thank you.