EU LIFTS VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR KOSOVO SERBS WITH SERBIAN PASSPORTS

Mon 22 July 2024:

The Council of the European Union adopted a regulation on Monday, removing the visa exclusion previously applied to holders of Serbian passports issued in Kosovo by the Serbian Coordination Directorate. This regulation will come into effect after its publication in the EU Official Journal.

Ethnic Serbs Gain Visa-Free Travel to EU

Ethnic Serbs with passports issued by Serbia’s Directorate for Kosovo can now cross the external borders of EU member states without a visa. This decision affects approximately 18,000 Serbian residents of Kosovo who hold these passports, ensuring that all Western Balkan residents are subject to the same visa regime.

Mixed Reactions to the Decision

Serbian Foreign Minister’s Praise: The Serbian foreign minister welcomed the decision on social media, describing it as a small but significant victory for Serb human rights in Kosovo.

Kosovo Government’s Objection: In contrast, Kosovo’s government objected to the council’s decision, arguing that recognizing documents issued by Serbian-run “parallel” institutions violates Kosovo’s sovereignty and discourages the integration of the Serbian community.

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Background and Context

Since 2009, Serbian citizens with biometric passports have been exempted from visa requirements. However, this exemption did not apply to passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate for Kosovo. The EU Commission proposed the change in 2023, and it has now been enacted.

Kosovo citizens have been able to travel visa-free through the Schengen zone since January 2024, but this does not apply to those whose passports are issued by Serbia’s directorate for Kosovo.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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