Borrell: Belgrade and Pristina Reach Agreement

Josep Borrell (BETAPHOTO/European Council/Zucchi Enzo/DS)

Serbia has agreed to abolish the issuance of entry and exit documents for persons who have Kosovo IDs, while Kosovo has agreed not to introduce those documents for those who have Serbian ID cards, EU foreign minister Josep Borrell said on Aug. 27.

Borrell tweeted that "a deal" had been reached in the talks between Belgrade and Pristina being mediated by the EU. "Under the EU-facilitated Dialogue, Serbia agreed to abolish entry/exit documents for Kosovo ID holders and Kosovo agreed to not introduce them for Serbian ID holders. I am happy that we found a European solution that facilitates travel between Kosovo and Serbia, which is in the interest of all citizens of Kosovo and Serbia," said Borrell. He added, "I thank A. Vucic and Albin Kurti for their leadership."

The head of the Serbian government's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, said that Belgrade's condition was accepted and that guarantees were received from the EU that the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija would be able to move around freely with Serbian ID cards. "That means that every Serbian citizen living in Kosovo and Metohija will be able to move freely with a Serbian ID card. Every Serb south and north of the Ibar, without exception, will be able to live, work, travel and pass through administrative crossings normally and without any problems, with their Serbian ID card," Petkovic said.

Responding to the agreement on IDs, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a Facebook post that reciprocity and equality were the foundations of a relationship. "Reciprocity and equality. Freedom of movement is the foundation of democratic societies and European values. The Republic of Kosovo is contributing more and more to peace and stability every day. Thanks to the U.S. and the EU for their supportive role. We will unstoppably continue our commitment to mutual recognition," Vjosa Osmani wrote.