Sources within the European Union have informed Radio Free Europe that suspending visa liberalization for Kosovo, which has been mentioned as a possibility following increased tensions in the northern part of the country, is not an option.
However, these same sources acknowledge that the EU is also considering the possibility of taking measures against Kosovo if the demands to reduce tensions in the north and find a solution to reintegrate Serbs into local institutions are not met.
“There are a range of measures being considered and discussed. However, the majority of member states, in several meetings, have made it clear that suspending visa liberalization for Kosovo is not an option,” an official stated for Radio Free Europe.
According to this official, the majority of member states believe that such a step would be excessive and counterproductive, going against the interests of the citizens of Kosovo rather than against those whose actions are not in line with the expectations of the EU.
Other diplomatic sources within the EU have stated that suspending visa liberalization would be a complicated process for procedural reasons, as it would require securing a qualified majority in the Council.
According to these sources, the suspension of visa liberalization is driven by other reasons such as migration or security issues rather than political motives.
However, these sources do not rule out the possibility that, in the event of a further escalation of the situation and the emergence of security threats or the risk of mass migration, this issue may be brought to the agenda of the EU.
The decision to grant visa liberalization for Kosovo was approved by the EU earlier this year.
The decision is official and final, published in the Official Journal, and is expected to take effect from January 1st, 2024.
Kosovo is the only country in the Western Balkans that does not enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen Area countries.
