The European Union Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, during his visit to Pristina on Wednesday had separate meetings with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa and Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli. In a joint press conference with PM Mustafa, Hahn said that the Pristina – Belgrade dialogue is vital for Kosovo’s European future, and that there is still work to be done in regards to visa liberalization. Hahn said the he expects the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) to be signed in May and enter into force early next year. “The EU will continue to play an important role in support of Kosovo. Economic reforms are priority number one and I see the commitment of the Kosovo government in this regard,” said Hahn.  He also said that Kosovo must combat organized crime and corruption, reform the public administration and establish a fair and impartial judiciary.

Mustafa stressed that one of Kosovo’s requirements is visa liberalization. He also said that he discussed the issue of irregular migration with Hahn, and requested seasonal employment for Kosovo people to overcome the economic crisis. Mustafa noted that the Kosovo government is working on concrete issues that will normalize relations with Serbia and that Kosovo and Serbia should not impede each other on the European integration path.