The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee today adopted a report by Green rapporteur/draftsperson Ulrike Lunacek on Kosovo's progress towards the EU (1). Commenting after the vote, Ulrike Lunacek said:

"This vote sends a strong signal that the future of an independent Kosovo lies in the European Union. It is particularly welcome that the committee has issued a clear call to those recalcitrant EU member states which have not yet recognised the state of Kosovo to do so without delay.

"The report makes clear that the EU must do more to give Kosovo a real accession perspective, such as through a trade agreement and a roadmap for visa liberalisation. On the other hand, Kosovo needs to do more to fight corruption and organised crime and start delivering tangible results, also in the economy. The report also urges Kosovo to swiftly implement promised electoral reforms.

"Clearly the situation in northern Kosovo and the stand-off with the Serbian government overshadows the debate at present, and resolving this should be a matter of urgency. It is important that the process of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is brought to a successful conclusion without delay. To this end, Serbia must end its support for parallel structures in northern Kosovo, while the Kosovan government must do more to promote the integration of the Serbian minority."

(1) 54 votes in favour, 6 against, 4 abstentions. The report is expected to be voted by the European Parliament as a whole in the March plenary session.

Richard More O'Ferrall,

Press and media officer,

Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament

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