The Government of Kosovo has agreed to offer temporary residence permits and recognize the identity cards of members of the Serb community who are not equipped with documents of the Republic of Kosovo under the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles, which will begin to be fully implemented starting Sunday.
One day before the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles enter into force, the European Union’s envoy for the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue, Peter Sorensen, visited Kosovo and was received by Prime Minister Albin Kurti.Sorensen praised Kosovo’s efforts for the gradual implementation of these laws, while Kurti announced that the process will take place in coordination with representatives of the Serb community and the EU.
Starting from March 15, the full implementation of the laws will begin, including for citizens coming from Presheva, Medvegja, Bujanovac, and other villages of Serbia.Kurti emphasized that the implementation is not intended to hinder public services, but at the same time aims to eliminate parallel structures funded by Serbia.The EU’s representative for the dialogue, Sorensen, assessed Kosovo’s informational efforts and coordination positively, adding that health and education services will be harmonized with Kosovo’s legal framework.
The EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, also confirmed the agreement for the implementation of the laws and emphasized the importance of civil registration and residence permits for Serb citizens.The decision was also welcomed by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, as well as by the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, who called for the removal of punitive measures against Kosovo and the advancement of the European integration process.
The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, said that the solution reached regarding the implementation of the Law on Foreigners in Kosovo represents relief for the Serb people.However, the decision has sparked criticism from the opposition in Kosovo.The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and other MPs such as Avdullah Hoti (LDK) and Besnik Tahiri (AAK) expressed concerns that the implementation could legitimize Serbia’s parallel structures and undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty.
They criticized the government for a lack of transparency and for making concessions which, according to them, benefit Serbia while Kosovo loses.
