MEPs and Members of the Assembly of Kosovo met in Pristina on 17-18 September 2018 for the 5th meeting of the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee.
The meeting, co-chaired by Mr Tonino Picula (S&D, HR) and Mr Memli Krasniqi (PDK, Kosovo), was marked by the EP vote last Thursday in favor of liberalizing visas for Kosovo, paving the way for Kosovo people to enter EU member states without a visa for up to 90 days. The landmark vote showed a clear political will in the European Parliament to support Kosovo on its path towards a visa free regime. Co-chairs have called on EU Members states to follow suit.
Parliamentarians held in-depth and fruitful discussions on a number of important issues including the implementation of the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement and visa liberalisation, the Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, the rule of law with a focus on the fight against corruption and organised crime, fundamental freedoms, fight against domestic violence and protection of minorities, war crimes and way towards reconciliation.
The Co-Chairs agreed that progress in the process of normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is an essential principle which will underpin the development of relations and cooperation between them and the European Union. They stressed the importance of commitment and dedication by both sides to the EU-facilitated dialogue with a view of concluding a legally binding agreement on all outstanding issues.
The Co-Chairs welcomed the adoption of a joint declaration and recommendations and expressed commitment to continue with the very good relations between the two parliaments.
The 6th EU-Kosovo SAPC meeting shall take place in Strasbourg on 13-14 March, 2019.
