EP in favour of visa liberalisation for Kosovo

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The European Parliament (EP) adopted a recommendation of the European Commission (EC) asking the European Union to liberalise visa regime for Kosovo’s citizens, the Tanjung news agency reported on Thursday.

Dimitris Avramopulos, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs, said he was satisfied that the EP recognised the importance of visa-free regime for Kosovo.

“It’s not only about the recognition of their efforts but also about securing the stability and safety in the region. The European perspective of the whole region is at stake, “ he said.

Avramopulos added that the EC confirmed in 2015 that Kosovo had met all conditions for visa liberalisation, including the demarcation with Montenegro and strengthening the fight against organised crime and corruption.

Kosovo has been complaining about the EU hesitation to allow them visa-free regime for long. That was one of Pristina’s criticism of the EU, saying the bloc demanded the suspension or lifting of the 100 percent import tariffs on goods from Serbia and Bosnia while on the other hand ignoring visa liberation for Kosovo.