Apostolovic: Holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo can travel to the EU without visas as of today; the diplomatic struggle was not easy

Serbs with biometric passports issued by the Coordination Directorate for Kosovo and Metohija can officially travel visa-free to European Union countries as of today. Serbia's Ambassador to the EU, Danijel Apostolovic, told Kosovo Online that this move rectifies an injustice and discrimination, as they were the only ones from the Western Balkans who were not granted this privilege.

"Starting today, our citizens from Kosovo and Metohija, holders of biometric passports issued by the Coordination Directorate for Kosovo and Metohija, can finally travel to EU countries, specifically Schengen area countries, without visas. I believe this is good news, as it corrects the injustice and discriminatory treatment they received from the EU," Apostolovic stated.

He added that Serbs with these passports were the last from the Western Balkans who had not been granted visa-free travel to the EU.

Apostolovic emphasized that the decision to lift visas is the result of Serbia's diplomatic efforts, which, he noted, was far from easy.

"As you know, the Pristina side opposed this decision with baseless arguments, once again demonstrating their lack of constructiveness and, above all, an inhumane attitude toward citizens. It also shows that they are not interested in the normalization of everyday life for people. Fortunately, our side's arguments prevailed," Apostolovic highlighted.

He expressed special gratitude to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, the MEP, and the rapporteur for the visa waiver for holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo, Matjaž Nemec.

"We also owe gratitude to numerous members of the European Parliament, who adopted this decision with a large majority—406 in favor, 97 against," Apostolovic reminded.

He stated that this is a continuation of Serbia's diplomatic offensive.

"This is the continuation of Serbia's diplomatic offensive, presenting all of our arguments in Brussels, but also in other capitals of the European Union," emphasized the Serbian ambassador to the EU.

The regulation of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU amending the regulation concerning holders of Serbian passports issued by Serbia's Coordination Directorate was signed on September 18 in Strasbourg by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Hungary's Minister for European Affairs, János Bóka, as a representative of the country presiding over the EU Council.

The European Parliament approved this decision on April 23.