European Parliament discusses Kosovo, Serbia

This discussion and these resolutions will be the last with this composition of the EP, as soon European elections will be held and new MPs elected.

The European Parliament warned that discussions will focus on dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia on normalising relations, while it will also express support for Kosovo's application for membership in the European Union.

From Serbia, on the other hand, it is expected to adopt its positions in foreign policy with those of the EU, including in imposing sanctions against Russia, due to Ukraine's invasion.

The reports were adopted two weeks ago at the EU Foreign Policy Commission, but, according to the European Parliament's procedures, those texts could be changed in the plenary session if there are proposals and amendments from MPs.

The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Violet von Cremon, proposed that in the text of the resolution on Kosovo be included the expression of regret for Serbia's vote against Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe.

According to her, such an act represents violations of the Ohrid Agreement, which Kosovo and Serbia have reached in March. Under this agreement, the two countries should not interfere with the integration processes.

In the text of the resolution on Kosovo, which in the Commission for Foreign Policy has passed 44 votes in favour, 8 votes against and 3 votes contained, Kosovo's application for EU membership has been welcomed in December last year. According to the text, the move reflects the pro-European orientation of Kosovo citizens and its clear geopolitical definition.

The text also welcomes the visa liberalisation decision for Kosovo citizens ʹ the process, which was completed on 25 April, when the decision was published in the EU Official Journal.

With this decision, Kosovo citizens will move visa-free to what is known as the Schengen Zone and consist of dozens of European countries, starting on January 1st, 2024.

The European Parliament is expected even through this resolution to repeat the call for recognition of Kosovo's independence by the five EU member states that have not yet done so.

The EP will also call on the EU to speed up the enlargement process, naming it the European bloc's most successful policy of building peace and stability.

In the case of Kosovo, The EP recalls that <x0dynamic of the integration process will depend on progress in rule of law, fundamental rights and normalisation of reports with Serbia”.

As for dialogue on normal reporting, it is expected that the same order will be for Kosovo as well as for Serbia that they must implement all obligations stemming from the agreements they have reached and that the overall normalisation of the reports will be achieved through mutual recognition.