Publisher of Koha Ditore, Flaka Surroi, in an opinion on public perceptions of joyful events in Kosovo, argues that despite the UEFA membership and visa liberalization recommendation, Kosovo still faces many challenges. “It will be a big challenge for Kosovo to come out from the isolation shell where we lived for decades. Infrastructure, which was totally neglected for many years, will be a big challenge and, moreover, the biggest challenge will be to overcome the belief that football in Kosovo is be played only in the muddy fields.”

When it comes to visa liberalization, Surroi argues that the decision is provisional, subject to the border-demarcation with Montenegro and fight against crime and corruption. “The issue of visa liberalization might still get complicated, especially with the issue of border-demarcation with Montenegro. The easiest way for the government to overcome this, is to put the agreement to vote, where the ruling coalition, together with the minorities, have the necessary numbers for the agreement to pass. With two-thirds majority, the issue of demarcation would be officially closed,” she writes. However, according to Surroi, this problem would not be eliminated. “Still, there are voices with plenty arguments, that say that Kosovo will lose part of the territory with the current agreement. I do not believe that the opposition, which so loudly opposed this issue for six months, would give up now. If this will be the element that will unite the opposition again, then it can easily happen again that the Assembly’s work will be obstructed by the opposition. Of course, the best thing would be if they would reach an agreement on the matter. This process will still take two-three more months, but it can be finalized even earlier with good will and consensus,” Surroi writes.

“Our joy would last longer if some honest police officers, prosecutors and judges would work hard to tackle crime and criminals. But how realistic this possibility is, is best shown by short-lived joyful events in Kosovo.”