The EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, said today in Pristina that he believes that by the end of this year the European Commission might recommend that Kosovo has achieved the standards required for visa liberalization. Hahn, in a joint press conference with Kosovo Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, said that in terms of visa liberalization, the initial findings are that Kosovo has met the criteria, but has yet to engage in other required objectives.

"Obstacles and violence have no place in a democratic society and the institutions of Kosovo should be allowed to operate in a democratic way .... Blocking the Assembly can have an impact on relations with the European Union, since there are some laws that have to pass the Assembly,” he said. Hahn said the EU will continue to support Kosovo in the rule of law, public administration and economic development.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mustafa said that he informed Commissioner Hahn on Kosovo’s bid for UNESCO membership and requested the support of the European Union on this regard.  Mustafa also said that Kosovo will continue talks with Serbia and that “we are waiting on the Constitutional Court decision in regards to the agreement on Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities.”