Starting mid-October, Kosovo citizens holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate will be able to travel visa-free to Schengen countries, following new regulations established by the European Union. This move signifies a significant step towards travel freedom for Kosovo’s Serbian passport holders, aligning with the EU’s efforts to harmonize visa policies in the Western Balkans.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reignited interest in EU enlargement. However, the addition of poorer candidate countries like Ukraine raises concerns about budget constraints. Poland, a major agricultural producer, fears increased competition from Ukraine’s larger industry. EU membership could provide economic benefits to Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, but these countries have faced prolonged delays in their accession processes. Ukraine’s potential entry, with its vast agriculture sector and reconstruction needs, presents a significant financial challenge to the EU budget.
