As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2024, citizens of Kosovo welcomed a significant milestone – the right to travel to the Schengen region without a visa. This development marks a pivotal moment for Kosovars, bringing them in line with their Western Balkan neighbors who already enjoy visa-free access to the region. Azernews, citing Anadolu Agency, reports that as of the new year, Kosovars can travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The achievement, the result of years of persistent efforts, was met with enthusiasm by the people of Kosovo. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed, ”An achievement after years of hard work. Visa-free travel brings key benefits for citizens on both sides, further strengthening Kosovo’s relationship with the EU.”
The journey towards visa-free travel began in 2012 when the European Union set out 95 criteria for Kosovo to meet before gaining this right. The process faced several obstacles, often due to Kosovo’s challenges in meeting specific criteria. The EU strategically employed visa-free travel as both an incentive and a reward, linking it to various expectations, including Kosovo’s dialogue with Serbia.
Visa-free travel has been a focal point in Kosovo’s political landscape, with promises of achieving this milestone featuring prominently in election campaigns. Approximately one in every three citizens of Kosovo resides in European countries, underscoring the significance of visa exemption beyond mere tourism.
Kosovo’s success in securing visa-free travel in the first half of 2023 came after concerted efforts, particularly by EU countries like Germany and Austria, persuading initially hesitant nations such as France and the Netherlands.
While Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia gained visa-free travel to the Schengen region in 2009, and Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2010, Kosovo’s inclusion brings the entire Western Balkans under this privilege.
Although the visa-free travel decision is anticipated to bring Kosovo closer to the EU, the country’s EU membership application, submitted over a year ago, is yet to receive a positive response. Despite being the only applicant that did not secure candidate status, Kosovo leaders remain hopeful, expressing their commitment to resolving outstanding issues and seeking EU support for membership.
Tensions in the north of Kosovo throughout 2023 prompted the EU to impose punitive measures on the country, restricting its access to EU funds in multiple areas. Kosovo leaders are actively working to address these measures, labeling them as “unfair” and urging their swift removal.
Furthermore, Kosovo leaders are seeking backing from EU countries for full membership in the Council of Europe and inclusion in the Partnership for Peace Program, a prerequisite for NATO membership. As Kosovo embarks on this new era of visa-free travel, its leaders are optimistic about further diplomatic advancements and international cooperation.
