On Wednesday, the European Parliament approved the European Commission's report on Kosovo for the past year. In this report, Kosovo's application for membership in the European Union is welcomed.
There is a call to the EU member states that have not yet recognized Kosovo, to do so without further delay and pave the way for Kosovo in European progress.
The day before, MEPs debated the developments in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. The European Parliament has asked Kosovo and Serbia to prioritize dialogue in order to advance on the European path.
The rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon, who compiled the proposed text, expressed her satisfaction with the completion of the visa liberalization process.
"Since 2019, I have been compiling reports on Kosovo, constantly expressing the hope that free movement will be ensured. Now I can say that Europe finally opened its doors to Kosovo as well", she said during the debate.
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The European Parliament approves the report on Kosovo
The publication of the European Parliament calls for both countries to reach without delay comprehensive, legally binding agreements for the normalization of relations based on the principle of mutual recognition.
For Kosovo, it was emphasized that there are good results in the fight against corruption, but it becomes clear that "there is a need for improvements in justice".
"The MEPs welcome Kosovo's application for EU membership and the conclusion of the long-awaited visa liberalization agreement. Congratulating Kosovo's achievements in EU-related reforms, such as the fight against organized crime and corruption, they stress that the pace of the accession process will depend on progress in the rule of law, fundamental rights and improvements in the legal order of the country", the resolution states. "The MEPs regret the fact that the initiatives for the inclusion of the Serbian community in the political, social and economic structures of Kosovo remain very limited and they call on the Government of Kosovo and the representatives of the Kosovo Serbs to overcome the divisions".
The report on Kosovo was approved with 452 votes in favor, 87 against and 76 abstentions.
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European Parliament calls for lifting of measures against Kosovo, calls them unjustifiable
On Wednesday, the resolution for Serbia was also approved. Regret was expressed there for the non-adjustment of this country's positions in the EU's foreign policy, especially regarding the EU's sanctions against Russia. In the report on Serbia, the MEPs have said that Serbia can advance towards the EU only if it adapts its policies to the EU sanctions against Russia. For Serbia, there is a call for progress in the rule of law and functioning of democratic institutions. Concern has been expressed that in Serbia there is a continuous decline in support for the issue of EU accession. The report on Serbia was approved with 508 votes in favor, 76 against and 37 abstentions.
Resolutions of the European Parliament are not binding on member countries.
