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EU to introduce visa-free regime with Kosovo from January 1, 2024 — European Commission

Holders of regional passports will be able to visit the European Union without visas for up to 90 days for any period of 180 days, the European Commission said

© AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu, File

BRUSSELS, April 21. /TASS/. The European Union will introduce a visa-free regime for residents of Kosovo from January 1, 2024, despite the fact that the region is not recognized as an independent country by five EU members.

"Visa free travel for Kosovo will become a reality on 1 January 2024 at the latest," she said. "Following agreement between the European Parliament and the [European] Council on a proposal by the [European] Commission, passport holders from Kosovo will be allowed to travel to the EU without a visa, for maximum 90 days in any 180-day period."

Serbia’s Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija unilaterally proclaimed independence in February 2008, which was recognized by the United Nations Court of Justice in 2010. However, more than 60 countries, including Russia, China and India are strongly against recognizing Kosovo’s independence.

So far, five of the EU members - Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia and Romania - also do not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign country. At the same time, Brussels is pushing Serbia towards recognizing the region’s sovereignty, removing all obstacles for its international recognition and launching the process of its accession to the EU separately from Serbia.

Middle East conflict

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Russian engine maker unveils cutting-edge aircraft engine

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Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli airbases near Haifa, Tel Aviv

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Russian emergencies chief visits Cuba

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Ukraine issue gets more attention at UN after Trump’s election win — Russian diplomat

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Security official stresses need to counter US policy of dual containment of Russia, China

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Press review: UK and French leaders discuss Ukraine as the dollar continues to climb

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 12th

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Over 3,800 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

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Russian troops destroy fourth US-made Abrams tank in Ukraine operation

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Amount of Russian assets frozen in Switzerland unchanged since August — agency

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Russia says Su-35S fighter jets provide cover to bombers, attack aircraft in Kursk Region

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Detentions, blocking of roads: what is known about situation in Abkhazia

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Combat experience distinguishes Su-57 among fifth-generation fighters

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Medvedev characterizes Great Britain as eternal adversary of Russia

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US State Department insists DPRK troops engaged in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

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Press review: Russia, Belarus finalize security deal as China readies for Trump’s new term

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Ukraine imposes sanctions on maintenance services of two Moscow airports

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Russia’s Rubikon unmanned technology center team destroys Ukrainian armor in Kursk area

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