The Government of Kosovo has expressed its disappointment with the European Union’s decision to liberalize visas for holders of Serbian passports issued by Serbian authorities to Serbian citizens of Kosovo.
In an official reaction, the Government emphasized that this decision undermines the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo.
“Any decision by the European Union does not negate the fact that these passports remain illegal, in complete violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our state, and are consequently unacceptable for the Republic of Kosovo. These passports will continue to not be recognized by our authorities,” the reaction states.
The Government of Kosovo has stressed that all its citizens, including those from the Serbian community, have the full right to benefit from visa-free movement through the passport of the Republic of Kosovo.
“The justification used that the holders of these illegal passports will remain isolated is inaccurate and inconsistent with reality,” the statement continues.
The Government also considered the decision hasty, made without verifying the facts on the ground and without consulting Kosovar institutions.
“It is inexplicable the haste shown in making this decision, without verifying the facts on the ground, without analyzing the implications that might and will follow the implementation of the decision, and without consulting our state institutions from the beginning,” the statement further notes.
According to the Government, this decision harms Kosovo’s efforts for the integration of the Serbian community.
