BELGRADE (Serbia), October 14 (SeeNews) – The European Commission on Wednesday proposed to launch a process aimed at scrapping visas for Kosovo citizens and start preparations for a trade deal with Kosovo.
“In its communication 'Kosovo - Fulfilling its European Perspective', the Commission proposes to start a process that should lead to visa-free travel for Kosovo citizens and to begin preparations for a comprehensive trade agreement once Kosovo meets the requirements,” the European Union executive said in a statement.
Kosovo, where 90% of the population is ethnic Albanian and the rest are Serbs, declared its secession from Serbia in February 2008. Its independence has been recognized by more then 60 countries so far, including the U.S. and most of EU member states. Serbia, backed by its historical ally Russia, has said it would never recognise Kosovo's independence.
"This initiative is part of the Commission's 2009 Enlargement Strategy, which also includes the 2009 Progress Report for Kosovo," it added.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn said in the statement that the Commission proposed a series of practical measures to help improve the lives of Kosovo citizens.
“These measures will show Kosovo that EU approximation is not something abstract, but that it is about real, tangible benefits for all. We now call on EU Member States to agree to our proposals and to ensure Kosovo keeps pace with developments in the rest of the Western Balkans,” Rehn said in the statement.
The Commission's proposals do not prejudge EU Member States' position on Kosovo's status, he added.
In December, the EU deployed in Kosovo a civilian rule of law mission, EULEX, which includes a 2,200-strong force of international judges and prosecutors, as well as police and customs officers. Its primary task is to assist and support Kosovo's law and justice institutions in developing their capacities.
($=0.6716 euro)