Spain has confirmed that it has approved Kosovar’s passport and allowed its nationals visa-free entry under the visa liberalization that came into force for Kosovars in all Schengen countries on January 1. To Euractic, a Spanish source confirmed, does not amount to recognition of Kosovo’s sovereignty.
As of January 1, Kosovars can now travel within the EU and Schengen area without a visa. However, among Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece, Spain was the only non-recognized country to follow suit and deny access.
However, the situation has changed after Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi announced a change in Spain’s position on Saturday – something a Spanish Foreign Ministry official also confirmed to Euractic.
Still, the official said the move would not change Spain’s position of not recognizing Kosovo, adding: “All non-recognizing countries accept the use of a normal Kosovar passport, which does not imply recognition of Kosovo.” added.
The European Commission’s DG Home has also updated its guidance on travel documents, stating that “Spain will recognize regular passports issued by Kosovo from 1 January 2024.” This change in no way constitutes official recognition of Kosovo as an independent state. ”
The news from Spain is a bit off-putting, as in April 2023 Foreign Minister José Manuel Álvarez said that despite visa liberalization being in force, Kosovo nationals would no longer be able to enter the country without a visa in 2024. It was a surprise.
“Spain has a traditional policy of non-recognition of Kosovo, and that traditional policy leads to the non-recognition of Kosovo passports. “We’re doing it,” Alvarez said. at that time.
Meanwhile, Greece is inching closer to approval, with rumors swirling that such an announcement could be imminent, but it would depend on the “right timing”.
In December, Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi told Euractic that although Greece does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, it still has closer ties with Kosovo than most EU member states that do. Told.
Asked whether Greece might be the first to cross the line regarding recognition, Bislimi said: “We understand that the five non-EU countries have five specific situations. “We can’t use the same drugs or the same approach for all of them.” ”
“However, the situation with Greece is special because we have more political, economic and cultural contacts with Greece than with most EU member states that recognize Kosovo,” he said. added.
Bislimi said that no European foreign minister has visited Kosovo as often as Greece.
Pristina knows what Greece needs to “take the next step.”
Greece has a UNMIK-accredited liaison office in Pristina and a Kosovo Economic and Commercial Office in Athens. In 2021, it was elevated to a special agency, and although it cannot fly the Kosovar flag outside, it can issue visas.
(Alice Taylor | Euractiv.com, Fernando Heller | EuroEFE.Euractiv.es)
