On 29 November, the European Parliament considered it “essential to liberalise the visa regime” for Kosovars “as soon as possible”, in order to bring Kosovo closer to the EU, calling on the Council “to adopt its mandate quickly in order to make progress towards the adoption of a visa-free regime”.
By adopting the report (393 votes in favour, 139 against and 71 abstentions) by Igor Šoltes (Greens/EFA, Slovenia), MEPs call for further reforms in the country, also concerned about the lack of consensus between political parties and political polarisation, which continue to affect Kosovo's ability to reform in a sustainable manner.
According to the European Parliament, Pristina should work on depoliticisation and restructuring of the administration, on identified electoral weaknesses, on the under-funding of the judiciary and the excessive political influence it suffers, and on the fight against corruption and organised crime. MEPs also call for progress in terms of human rights, particularly for minorities.
Once again, Parliament calls on the five countries that have not recognised Kosovo's independence to do so, “which would facilitate relations between Kosovo and neighbouring Serbia”, calling for continued efforts to fully normalise relations between the two countries (see other news). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)