Strasburg, 24 October 2018 – Minister of European Integration, Dhurata Hoxha, met in Strasburg with Igor Sholtes, European Parliament Rapporteur on Kosovo, and Eduard Kukan, MEP from Slovakia, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Serbia, as well as representative of right-wing parties group, EPP, for Western Balkans, whereby discussing and seeking support for visa liberalization.
Minister Hoxha thanked Mr. Sholtes for his commitment on visa liberalization, unsparing support for visa liberalization and promotion of Kosovo achievements in this process.
“Kosovo and its citizens are unfairly deprived of free movement and it is the only country in the region not enjoying free-visa regime with Schengen Area countries. Free movement will increase the quality of life of our citizens”, stated Minister Hoxha, adding that this increases cooperation in the field of economy, culture, education, science and others.
We have met all criteria and now EU and Member States have to do their job. We have shown results, we have complied with the roadmaps. EU has to act now without delay and enable free movement for our citizens.
Mr. Sholtes encouraged the work of Minister Hoxha and Kosovo in general, emphasising that he hopes that remaining procedures for visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens at EU level will be conducted within deadlines.
I hope Member States will follow the example of European Parliament and give the green light to the free-visa regime as soon as possible.
Minister Dhurata Hoxha met in Strasburg with Mr. Eduard Kukan, MEP from Slovakia, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Serbia, as well as representative of right-wing parties group, EPP, for Western Balkans.
Minister Hoxha thanked Mr. Kukan for the assessment on Western Balkans, in particular the achievements of Kosovo, for conditions met for free movement, highlighting that visa liberalization is in the hands of EU states, where European Commission confirmed that Kosovo met the conditions related to visa liberalization determined in the roadmap.
Mr. Kukan stated that Western Balkans is covered in the European Union enlargement strategy and plan and that they will complete their task under this process.
Last modified: August 8, 2022
