Are Holland's stance on the visa issue moving: Speaking from the Dutch Foreign Ministry

The Netherlands Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a response to Express, pledged that if the new report with updates from the European Commission is in favour of Kosovo, then there is readiness to take a stand.

The European Commission will soon come with an up-to-date report on visa liberalisation standards. The Netherlands is open to assess whether all standards have been met. Progress made so far in fighting organised crime and corruption register is key to us” says this minister.

On the other hand, after hearing the ECE, the Dutch say the Dutch government will take a stand and pass the matter to Parliament.

The “only after the assessment of the progress made, and after a discussion with Parliament, we will take a stand on the matter”.

For the new report that the European Commission will publish yesterday, Anita Hyper, European Commission spokeswoman, which, in addition to calling for visa liberalisation, assured that the assessment of this institution is that Kosovo has met the criteria.

“Technical update will not represent a new assessment and will not add any new conditions or reference points”, she said.

However, the Netherlands Foreign Ministry says freedom of movement of Kosovo citizens is not a matter just between Kosovo and the Dutch state.

The “belongs to the European Union Council to discuss and reconcile visa liberalisation, so it is not a bilateral issue between Kosovo and one of the EU member states”.

In response, the MPJ says the Netherlands supports Kosovo government in its ambitious “reform of rule of law reform, especially they cite addressing issues such as organised crime and high-level corruption.

“Progress in this reforming agenda and specifically in the areas mentioned, will be primarily important for Kosovo citizens and certainly supports Kosovo's visa-free ambition”.

The Netherlands concluded it was, is and will help the Government of Kosovo, but also the judicial institutions and civil society organisations through projects, advice and expertise in achieving results in the reforms needed for rule of law.