MEPs expect the EU liberalise visas for Kosovo after lifting of tariffs

Gazeta Express

02/04/2020 20:12

After Kosovo’s incumbent Government lifted tariffs on Serbian and Bosnia-Herzegovina goods as of 1 April, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and standing Rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, and the Chair of the Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, Romeo Franz, stated that removing tariffs is an important signal for political cooperation. MEPs also hope that after Pristina’s decision the EU would keep its promise ans liberalise visas for Kosovo’s citizens.

“We are very happy about the decision made by the Kosovo caretaker government to lift the 100 percent tariffs. This is a very important signal for political cooperation in the region and a crucial step, which we hope will lead to the resumption of the EU-facilitated dialogue, so that relations between Belgrade and Pristina can be normalised,” Viola von Cramon-Taubadel said according to a statement.

Whereas Romeo Franz said that they count on the EU member states to fulfil their promise to grant visa liberalisation to Kosovar citizens as soon as possible, despite the current political crisis. “This could be an important sign of solidarity, especially for the young people of Kosovo and for the country’s commitment to its European future,” Franz said.

In November 2018, Kosovo imposed a 100 percent tariff on all imports from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kosovo lifted taxes on raw materials on 15 March and decided to lift all taxes on 1 April, but expects reciprocity from Serbia. It will assess the implementation of its decision on 15 June. The principle of reciprocity will not apply to Bosnia and Herzegovina. /GazetaExpress/