The S&D Group welcomes yesterday’s ratification of the Border Demarcation Agreement with Montenegro, by the Parliament of Kosovo. This means one of the main obstacles for the Kosovar citizens to freely travel to Europe is now removed. The S&D Group has consistently supported visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans.
Following the vote by the Parliament of Kosovo, Knut Fleckestein, S&D Group spokesperson on the Balkans stated:
“This is an important step for Kosovo on the path to European integration. We are happy that political parties managed to overcome internal disputes and supported the border agreement with Montenegro. We condemn the violent action from part of the opposition who attempted to stop this process.
“It is important now to advance on the second remaining criteria related to the track record of high-level convictions for corruption and organised crime. We ask the European Commission to present its conclusion as soon as possible in light of the latest information provided by the Kosovo authorities. “
S&D MEP and European Parliament’s Rapporteur for visa liberalisation for Kosovo, Tanja Fajon, added:
“This is great news. I congratulate all parties for finally overcoming a crucial hurdle on Kosovo’s path to fulfilling the conditions for EU visas to be lifted for Kosovar citizens. The ball is now in Commission’s court, as Kosovo has done its part of job. I will put the report on visa liberalisation with Kosovo to vote in the European Parliament immediately after the Commission has given its green light.
Socialists and democrats have always been at the forefront of the fight for visa-free regime for all Western Balkans, including Kosovo. Kosovars, just like other Europeans, deserve to travel to Europe freely, which will further strengthen economic and political cooperation as well as people-to-people contact, cultural and social ties with Europe.”
