Since January 1, 2024, citizens of Kosovo have been able to travel freely within the Schengen area. After long years of waiting, the visa-free regime came into force, opening up new prospects for some 1.8 million Kosovars.
This step had been awaited for several years, as Kosovo had already met all the necessary criteria for visa-free travel in 2018, particularly with regard to border and migration management. However, the normalization of relations with European neighbors, particularly Serbia, remained an obstacle on the road to closer ties between Kosovo and the European Union.
Today, the people of Kosovo begin to move freely around the Schengen Area.
This historic milestone is not an achievement only for Kosovo, but an important step forward towards our shared goal: a closer, stronger and more united Europe.
Fewer barriers, more opportunities. 🇽🇰🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/ZBUE0Zh0xH
- Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) January 1, 2024
The official announcement was made by Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurtiwho personally addressed the first Kosovar travelers leaving Pristina airport for the EU without a visa. This occasion marks an important turning point in relations between the country and Europe.
The opportunities offered by the end of visa restrictions for Kosovars :
- To be able to visit relatives living in Germany or Switzerland, for example.
- Discover new European cultures and lifestyles, enriching their personal and professional perspectives.
- Access to more diversified education and training in Europe.
- Facilitate meetings and collaboration between Kosovars and citizens of other EU countries.
A weight lifted for Kosovar youth
This change is particularly important for young Kosovars, who have long suffered from this forced isolation from the rest of Europe. In a country where almost half the population is under 30, this situation was a source of deep frustration. Many complained of the indifference of their European counterparts, who often associated Kosovo only with a conflict they themselves had never experienced.
Now, thanks to the abolition of the visa regime, these young Kosovars can finally look forward to a future without barriers.This is the first time we've had the opportunity to work together on a project that focuses on cooperation and the economic and cultural opportunities offered by the European Union. There's no doubt that this newThis status will allow Kosovars to show their potential and their desire to be part of the world.integration within the European continent.
A possible consequence: the exodus of young Kosovars
Some analysts are already predicting an exodus of young Kosovars, who will take advantage of this visa liberalization to study or work abroad. Although Kosovo is not yet considered an EU candidate country, this rapprochement represents a major step forward in relations between the two entities, symbolizing a further step towards the country's recognition and integration into the European community.
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