Ben Andoni writes that the decision of the European Commission to recommend liberalization of visas for Kosovo, was celebrated more by the politicians than the ordinary citizens. Just like in Albania, majority of them remain skeptical that liberalization of visas would change things much, even though, non-liberalization of visas in Kosovo was felt a bit differently, as a denied right that they used to have under another citizenship. Kosovo politicians had the opportunity to celebrate two successes within less than three days: Kosovo’s membership at UEFA and visa liberalization.
The dream about the Cinderella is over now, even though it is not certain when the entire process would end and when Kosovo citizens will be able to de facto travel freely. Kosovo’s last test is demarcation of the border with Montenegro and concrete evidence on the war against corruption.
Unfortunately, continues Andoni, Europe of 2016 is completely different from that of 2004, when the so-called major enlargement with ten new states meant higher living standards and better social policies for poor countries.
The complicated European policy is being understood by Kosovo officials as their victory, despite the fact that a minor number of them became rich in a scary manner within e few years. A simple logic is required to know that decades or centuries would be required for such wealth. Ironically, they are welcomed in Brussels and remain representatives of a country, where the biggest problem is not visas, but unemployment, criminality and above all lack of hope, deriving from EU’s frequent indirect support for corrupted officials.
So the Cinderella fairy tale is over, now remains the challenge of ordinary people, those who overcame Serbian repression, economic difficulties and the war, on whether to accept to live in the same manner or find possibilities for change,” concludes Andoni.
