The decision by the EU Council to allow visa-free travel for citizens with illegal Serbian passports has prompted a reaction from President Vjosa Osmani.
She stated that the Republic of Kosovo takes no responsibility for violations that holders of these illegal documents might commit in the Schengen area.
“Legitimizing these illegal passports by the EU sabotages the integration process of the Serbian community in Kosovo, especially at a time when a significant number of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo were obtaining passports from the Republic of Kosovo. Furthermore, this decision negatively impacts the rule of law throughout Kosovo and for all its citizens. Moreover, these documents, which contain unverified information, could be held by individuals who could directly threaten order and security in the EU as well.”
“Additionally, the EU’s decision supports Serbia’s illegal structures and presence in Kosovo and contradicts the Constitution and laws of Kosovo, as well as the EU’s own standards in the field of rule of law. Kosovo was not consulted at all about this decision, despite our institutions continuously presenting our arguments on why this decision is harmful.”
“The right to freedom of movement should always exist, but not in contradiction with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kosovo and our efforts and commitment to the rule of law in every corner of Kosovo,” Osmani said.
