The new EU visa system allowing Kosovar citizens to travel to the visa-free Schengen Area came into force on Monday, and the first travelers considered it a significant relief.
The New Visa-Free System in the EU
The new system, which went into effect at midnight (2300 GMT on Sunday), allows Kosovars to enter the visa-free Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The Impact on Full Recognition of Kosovo
This reform in Pristina is seen as another step towards full recognition and a boost for the country’s ambition to join the EU, which declared independence in 2008.
Relief from Financial and Administrative Burden
Businessman Roshet Subi expressed great relief before boarding the Pristina-Vienna flight, where he was one of the winners in a competition organized by the government as part of a public awareness campaign about the new system. He said: “It’s a huge relief… you feel good.” He is the owner of a door and window manufacturing company that regularly travels to the EU for business. He added: “Every visa costs me 300 euros ($331). When I changed my last passport, I calculated that European visas alone cost me 2500 euros.”
The Impact on Diplomatic Relations
European embassies in Pristina, including the German consulate, had prepared for the visa waiver day. The German ambassador, Jorn Rod, issued the last visas for Kosovars a few days ago, emphasizing that the era of the visa “is finally closing.” He also invited locals to visit his country during the European Championship this summer.
The Impact of Waiving on Kosovars
Kosovars were eagerly awaiting January 1, considering it a “historic day” in their country’s approach to the EU, as local polls showed. However, they also blamed both Brussels and Pristina for the long delay in lifting the visa system. Engineer Agim Gjosalci (61) said: “Until now, we have been treated as second-class citizens in Europe.” Translator Adelina Kasuli (33) stated: “Our politicians are also responsible for this long wait, as one of the conditions for visa liberalization was combating corruption and organized crime.”
Warnings of Misuse and Labor Shortages
Deputy Prime Minister responsible for European integration, Besnik Bislimi, warned of the potential misuse of the new system, which could lead to restrictive measures from the EU that may “harm the whole country.” Many are also concerned that this could lead to a greater labor shortage. According to the Riinvest Institute based in Pristina, about 18 percent of private sector employees are expected to resign from their jobs and try to emigrate this year.
The Impact on Economy and Travel
This decision may also affect Subi’s business, but he was more focused on Vienna, where he was taking his wife, who had never traveled to an EU country before. His wife, Valdit, said: “The decision (to lift visas) is more than welcome. We have family in Germany and Switzerland, and it’s time to visit them.”
In summary, the lifting of the EU visa requirement for Kosovo is an important development for the country and its citizens, as it alleviates financial and administrative burdens, enhances diplomatic relations, and opens doors to new opportunities in travel, trade, and investment.
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