Minister Hoxha discusses with Igor Sholtes in a phone call: Kosovo ready to close visa liberalization process

Prishtina, 16 August 2018– Minister of European Integration, Mrs. Dhurata Hoxha had a telephone conversation with the European Parliament Rapporteur on Kosovo, Mr. Igor Sholtes, with whom she discussed the next steps for the visa liberalization process, given the fact that the whole process is now in the hands of EU institutions, after fulfilling the benchmarks by Kosovo.

Minister Hoxha briefed Mr. Sholtes that Kosovo is continuing reforms and implementation of the SAA and sought that the decision-making process regarding visa liberalization be accelerated.

Minister Hoxha stressed that Kosovo citizens have an understanding that they are on the verge of visa liberalization and are eagerly awaiting the free movement. Minister Hoxha also briefed the Rapporteur on Kosovo about the visa liberalization awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of European Integration, with special emphasis on informing citizens about what visa liberalization stands for and the sanctions that could result in case of misuse.

Further, Minister Hoxha extended the full support and cooperation of the country’s institutions so that the decision-making process is as fast as possible and citizens’ expectations for free movement by the end of the year are met.

For his part, the European Parliament Rapporteur on Kosovo, Mr. Sholtes thanked Minister Hoxha for her engagement throughout the process by assuring her for his full support to accelerate decision-making on visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens. Mr. Sholtes also briefed the Minister on the next steps for the LIBE Committee meeting on August 29, where the visa liberalization for Kosovo will be on the agenda and we are optimistic to get the green light in order to proceed further.

Last modified: August 8, 2022