Sljuka: Visa liberalization for Serbian passports from Kosovo is positive news amid a sea of negative things

Aleksandar Sljuka from the NGO "New Social Initiative" believes that the decision by the EU Council to lift visas for holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo is positive and joyous news amid the sea of prevailing negativity because, as he says, the previous decision was discriminatory.

"This decision this morning has brought joy to many people, especially those who hold these passports. The EU Council has approved it, and it is the final step towards granting visa liberalization for holders of passports issued by the coordination directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The only thing left is to translate it into the official languages of the EU, and in 20 days, the decision will come into effect. I think it is positive and joyous news in the midst of the negative things surrounding us," he said.

Sljuka reminds that for 15 years, everyone holding these passports has been waiting for liberalization and has been unable to travel.

"From this year, Kosovo passports have received visa liberalization, and in the past seven months, travel has been possible with them. However, there is a small number of people who could not obtain that passport. For them, this is an extremely significant decision, as well as for others who, due to Kosovo's dual citizenship law, can have both passports but would prefer to have a Serbian passport and travel with it. This is good news. The previous decision was discriminatory, and in this way, all citizens of the Western Balkans will be able to travel," Sljuka said.