The Rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament stated today that the Council of the European Union should remove visas for Kosovo as soon as possible.

In the debate regarding the progress report for Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and Northern Macedonia in the European Parliament, Viola Von Cramon emphasized that now is the final time for the council to make a decision about visa liberalization for Kosovo.

“No country in the region shows more positive attitude towards the EU than Kosovo. However, this fact is not self-evident and cannot be taken for granted forever. If we do not fulfill our promises, we will lose credibility and trust. It is high time for the Council to deliver at last on the promise of visa liberalization; I absolutely share the frustration of the citizens of Kosovo, I wished the EP could decide on this matter, “ she stated.

Von Cramon also expressed her worry regarding the current lack of vaccines in Kosovo at a time, when the pandemic is surging.

“Another issue is the lack of COVID-19 vaccines supply in Kosovo. The production capacity here in the EU are currently being increased and this must lead to a much better supply for Kosovo as soon as possible. The EU should support the speedy vaccination of healthcare workers and other most vulnerable groups,” she added.

The official Rapporteur for Kosovo said that Prishtina shouldn’t let go of the dialogue process, because the reciprocal recognition between Kosovo and Serbia is a precondition for the membership of both countries in the European Union.