Brussels, 25/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 24 January, MEPs on the foreign affairs committee called on the five member states of the EU that have not yet recognised Kosovo's independence to do so. In the resolution by Ulrike Lunacek (Greens/EFA, Austria), MEPs called on Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia to recognise Kosovo and noted that 85 countries in the world had already done so.
The foreign affairs committee highlighted how important it was for the EU to engage with Kosovo and considers that “this engagement is vital for preserving stability and security” in the EU's immediate vicinity. MEPs underline “the importance” of the dialogue with Serbia and welcome the preliminary agreements concluded but are concerned that they have not all been implemented. They reiterated their “extreme concern” about the tension and instability reigning in the north of the country.
MEPs also regret the delay in launching the dialogue on visas but welcome the Commission's intention to “finally” launch the process before the end of 2012.
The report also highlights the need for progress in returning refugees and displaced persons, in tackling discrimination, legal and public administration reforms and tackling corruption, “a major problem that affects citizens' confidence in the rule of law”. MEPs are also worried about the economic situation in the country.
This resolution will be voted on in the March plenary. (CG/transl.fl)