In Strasbourg, the legal act of the European Union was signed for the liberalization of visas for Kosovo, enabling citizens to move freely in the Schengen area from January 1, 2024.

The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the European Parliament, and was led by the head of this institution, Roberta Metsola.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, participated in the signing ceremony, together with the Foreign Minister of Kosovo, Donika Gërvalla-Schëarz.

A representative of Sweden participated in the ceremony, since this country leads the European Union in this period.

After the signing ceremony, the rapporteur of the European Parliament on visas for Kosovo, This Reuten, said during a press conference that from January 1, 2024, citizens holding Kosovo passports will be able to travel without visas in the Schengen area.

“This decision is not meaningful only for Kosovo, because all other citizens of the region have been able to travel, except Kosovo. It was unfair, unreasonable and this situation has already come to an end. Kosovo has worked hard to meet all the conditions and fulfill them many years ago and is being rewarded for this. It is not only a moment of great importance for Kosovo, but it is also important for us, since the EU finally fulfilled its promise”, said Reuten.

During the press conference, Bislimi said that from January there will not be “thousands of lost opportunities” for the citizens of Kosovo. He said that this decision has to do with the citizens first, but it also has to do with “Kosovo being closer to the EU, but also for the EU to be closer to Kosovo”.

Bislimi said that the authorities will begin with an informative campaign regarding the restrictions that come with visa liberalization.

“Visa liberalization will enable people to create contacts, strengthen our ties with the EU, confirm the EU’s commitment to the region and increase business, educational and cultural activities for our citizens,” he added.