The Balkan Policy Institute works to promote sustainable development and good governance through pragmatic policy making that works for the welfare of the citizens.

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Letter to European Union (EU) on visa Liberalization

The Balkan Policy Institute (IPOL) and Young European Federalists – Kosova sent a letter to the EC regarding to visa liberalization for Kosovo's citizens.
Date: 18.12.2009


The Balkan Policy Institute (IPOL) and Young European Federalists – Kosova sent a letter to the EC regarding to visa liberalization for Kosovo's citizens.
The visa-free regime between European Union (EU) and Kosovo's neighbors began, but Kosovo is not included in this process. The main concern is that EU has not started the process of visa liberalization with Kosovo. And this made IPOL and JEF- Kosovo, to say that Kosovo remains the most isolated country in the world.
The letter continued with showing the main fact that even-thought in Kosovo the average of monthly salary is 240 Euros, the average costs for a Schengen visa application in Kosovo is 124 Euros. And Kosovo has the highest rejection of visa applications in the region.
In the end, IPOL and JEF-Kosovo asked EU representatives, Mr. Barroso, Mr. Van Rompuy, and Baroness Ashton, to do everything in their power to include Kosovo in the visa liberalization process, because Kosovo's citizens deserve to enjoy visa-free travel and see the benefits of a united Europe, just like their neighbors do. Otherwise, the reformers in Kosovo and the civil society will struggle to find meaning to the reforms we are pushing for.

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Letter to European Union (EU) on visa Liberalization