Andric Rakic: The proposal of the European Commission to abolish visas for citizens with Serbian passports will remove obstacles to freedom of movement

Program Manager of the non-governmental organization New Social Initiative from Kosovo, Milica Andric Rakic, told Kosovo Online that the European Commission's proposal to abolish visas for citizens in Kosovo who hold passports issued by the Coordination Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia was a good step, and it would eliminate difficulties for the Serbs in freedom of movement.

The European Commission presented this proposal, considering that visa liberalization for citizens of Kosovo comes into effect on January 1, 2024.

Andric Rakic believes that this step was expected.

"We had some indications from the Government of Serbia, specifically from the Ministry of European Integration, that work was being done on this. Serbian civil society from Kosovo has been highlighting this since 2016 when Kosovo was granted visa liberalization. We pointed out that this kind of precedent had been set in 2009, and Serbian passports for citizens of Serbia residing in Kosovo had been excluded from the visa regime. At the moment when the visa-free regime for Kosovo comes into effect, the status of these passports should be resolved. Not only because it is fair, but also because there are Serbs who cannot obtain a Kosovo ID card. If you cannot get a Kosovo ID card, you cannot get a passport, and then, consequently, a small number of citizens would be completely outside that regime and would have significant difficulties in freedom of movement. The decision was somewhat expected, and I'm glad it is now announced", Andric Rakic said.

On this issue, it is necessary for EU member states in the EU Council, as well as the European Parliament, to reach an agreement. Regarding some announcements that this procedure could be completed by mid-December, Andric Rakic still says that it will take several months.

"If that is true, it is an additional positive thing. I sincerely think it is more realistic for it to take a few months, for the simple reason that in mid-December, everyone goes on annual leave within European institutions. If it extends for several months, I believe that the initial recommendation is a very important step", Andric Rakic concluded.