Nemec on abolishing visas for Serbs from Kosovo: Equal treatment for all citizens of the Western Balkans​

​​​​​​​Today's decision ensures equal treatment for all citizens of the Western Balkans, and now at least 18,000 more people will be included in the visa liberalization process, says Matjaz Nemec, a Member of the European Parliament for Kosovo Online, following the vote by the EP's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).

The next procedural step is adoption at the EP plenary session in Strasbourg from April 22-25, after which the proposal is expected to be formally confirmed by the Council of the EU. Nemec mentions that there has been significant support from the beginning to resolve this issue. "As you know, from January 1, visa liberalization for those with Kosovo passports has been applied, coming after years of delays, but this decision did not cover Serbs from Kosovo. On the other hand, citizens of Serbia have been able to travel freely since 2009, but holders of these special passports remained outside both the visa liberalization decisions for Kosovo and for Serbia. This is not a political but a technical decision to solve this issue," says Nemec.

For today's decision to enable visa liberalization for passport holders issued by the Coordination Directorate, 34 voted in favor, seven were against, and there were 12 abstentions.

"It's always like this, and this topic was no exception. You have to understand that we have nine political groups from 27 countries and everyone has their political agenda. It's difficult to expect absolute support for any topic," says Nemec.

Asked if he believes the decision will be confirmed at the EP session in Strasbourg (from April 22 to 25), Nemec states that the only agenda he advocates for is that the EU provides the same treatment for all people of the Western Balkans.

"It's not for us to take sides, but to create a solution to the problem. Therefore, this is a positive message for us, not just for the people who are not in a position to travel, but it shows that European institutions can resolve these issues. We do not want to interfere in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in any way; this was a pebble in the important mosaic called the Western Balkans, and it is very important to have all citizens covered. I hope we will receive support during the final session," says Nemec in conclusion.

"My political group has been advocating for visa liberalization for Kosovo and we were very happy when it was implemented. I cannot compare these two situations directly, but we are talking about at least 18,000 people who will now be included in the visa liberalization, which is very important for us," Nemec concludes.