Balla in Athens: Kosovo visa liberalisation disgrace for EU

Balla held a word in the <x0-complification panel of war in the Ukraine A strategy to push forward EU membership of Western Balkan countries”, along with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and other representatives from other countries in the region.

In his speech Balla said maintaining the First Intergovernmental Conference with Albania, I hope with Northern Macedonia next week (19 July) is good news.

But let's not forget that the start of membership talks with two other countries in the region is not enough in the new geopolitical conditions following unjustified and unprotested Russian aggression against Ukraine”, Balla said.

According to Balla, non-liberalisation of visas for Kosovo citizens from the EU is another shame of EU credibility.

Following his speech Balla stressed that the eight-year Berlin Process is the right instrument for normalising relations and co-operation among the Western Balkan countries, the Open Balkans is the necessary instrument for implementing four basic EU freedoms, guaranteeing the free movement of people, goods, capitals and services.

Full mailing of the Taulant Ball:

Athens, the International Symi Simposium I took part in the “War Applications panel in the Ukraine A strategy to push forward the EU membership of Western Balkan countries”, together with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and other representatives from other countries in the region.

Keeping the First Intergovernmental Conference with Albania, I hope, even with Northern Macedonia, next week (19 July) is good news, but let's not forget that starting membership talks with two other countries in the region is not enough in the new geopolitical conditions following unjustified and unprotested Russian aggression against Ukraine. While I do not understand why even Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are not granted candidate status for EU membership. Non-liberalisation of visas for Kosovo citizens from the EU is another disgrace to EU credibility.

While the eight-year Berlin Process is the necessary instrument for normalising relations and co-operation among Western Balkan countries, the Open Balkans is the necessary instrument for implementing four basic EU freedoms, guaranteeing the free movement of people, goods, capital and services. Remember, we are a region surrounded by EU borders and exposed to unfriendly actors.