5 minutes ago“Germany determined that Kosovars move visa-free from January 1st
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)France's President Emmanuel Macron made a stir last week with a statement suggesting that Paris and Berlin could review visa liberalisation for Kosovo if the latter does not act responsibly in terms of destabilising the situation in the north. However, the medium “Euroeconomic” finds Germany wants [...]
However, the medium “Euro-European” finds Germany will hold the deadline from January 1st, 2024, a change in attitude with the French side.
A process, which has been delayed for years, could end and Kosovo citizens could move visa-free through the Schengen area countries from January 1st to 2024. That is because member states voted in favour of such a decision.
A few months after tensions in the country's north, implementation of reached agreements is urgently required.
The French president called on both sides for a return to the European Union-brokered dialogue as soon as possible. He even mentioned consequences for both countries if they do not act responsibly.
Macron cited the visa issue and other economic issues as pledges that can be revised.
We expect peace to return to this part. France and Germany have made pledges regarding visa policies and other economic issues, which will be revised if the parties fail to act responsibly. We must be vigilant especially in this regard, especially when it comes to stability in the Western Balkans”, Macron said.
Unlike Makron, the German carcinator Olaf Scholz has acted on the matter.
Scholz has not made public statements, such as Macron, which may suggest measures against countries, though, Kosovo is facing punitive measures even currently.
“Euro-European” reports that a source close to Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it clear that Kosovo citizens will move without visas by the beginning of next year.
The German is subject to regulations signed by the EU in April 2023. According to these, Kosovo citizens will in the future be excluded from the need for visas for short stays in the Schengen area. This will go into effect on January 1, 2024...”, this source was quoted as saying.
However, the medium goes on to report that “has learned” that in Germany will stand behind the set timeline and there are no “plans to get out of this” road.
“Eurasian” also reports that Macron, when he mentioned Germany in his statement, did so without agreement with Berlin.
Last week, the Macron ultimatum also responded to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, who said that if such a step is taken, the dialogue would be killed once and for all.
She added that she expects the EU to lift punitive measures against Kosovo, naming them unfair and disproportionate.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq will meet in Brussels on 14 September.
