The European Parliament today adopted a resolution which assesses Kosovo’s progress in the EU integration process. The start of EU accession negotiations with Serbia and the progress made in normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo was welcomed by MEPs in two resolutions passed today. MEPs welcomed the progress made in 2015 in normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo and call on Belgrade and Pristina to move forward with the full and timely implementation of agreements reached so far, noting that this is one of the conditions for Serbia’s accession to the EU.
“The future of an independent Kosovo lies in the European Union, but it needs to do more to fight corruption and organised crime and start delivering tangible results, also in the economy”, said EP rapporteur Ulrike Lunacek. “Kosovo is also the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens are not allowed to travel freely in the EU for three months. This anomalous situation has to change quickly in order to ensure that citizens do not feel “locked-in” anymore”, she added.
MEPs take note that five EU member states have yet to formally recognise Kosovo, adding that if all EU member states were to do so, this would bring more stability to the region and help to normalise relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
MEPs also stressed that EU-Kosovo Association Agreement, ratified by the European Parliament on 21 January, provides a powerful incentive for reform and paves the way for Kosovo’s integration into the EU. Media and judiciary independence, fighting high-level corruption and organised crime and labour market reforms are just a few areas of major concern, the resolution says. The resolution on Kosovo was passed by 403 votes to 130, with 104 abstentions.
Kosovo’s European Integration Minister, Bekim Collaku, said he particularly welcomes the “European Parliament’s positive assessment of the progress in the implementation of the visa liberalization requirements and calls for all parties involved to make the necessary actions in order that Kosovo be granted visa liberalization in 2016.”
