Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met with Olivier Onidi, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) and Schengen Area Coordinator, to discuss migration, border management and security cooperation.
The meeting focused on cooperation between Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and DG HOME, Kosovo’s progress toward European Union integration, and ongoing reforms in migration management, border control, asylum and security.
Sveçla expressed appreciation for DG HOME’s continued support in strengthening Kosovo’s institutional capacities and aligning its legislation with EU standards. He also highlighted the importance of launching new projects under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) following the Assembly of Kosovo’s approval of the relevant financial agreements.
During the meeting, Sveçla presented progress on the new Migration Strategy and its Action Plan, the Organized Crime Strategy for 2026–2030, the draft law on State Border Control, and measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Law on Foreigners.
Visa liberalization was another key topic. According to the ministry, the meeting highlighted the operation of monitoring mechanisms and a continued decline in asylum applications submitted by Kosovo citizens in EU member states.
Sveçla reaffirmed Kosovo’s commitment to implementing EU reforms and recommendations and strengthening cooperation with DG HOME and its agencies.
He said these efforts are aimed at improving security, ensuring effective migration management and advancing Kosovo’s European integration process.
