Context

Kosovo recently secured visa-free access to the Schengen zone in Europe, world’s largest zone of free movement, becoming the last western Balkan non-European Union nation to be waived visa requirements. 

What is Schengen Agreement?

• It started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between five EU countries– France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – and has gradually expanded to become the largest free travel area in the world.
• Schengen zone in Europe is the world’s largest zone of free movement, which provides visa free travel to signatory countries citizens.

 Which countries are part of Schengen?

• Today, the Schengen area covers over 4 million square kilometres with a population of almost 420 million people, and includes 27 countries:
  • 23 of the 27 EU member states
  • all members of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland)

Kosovo’s Visa-Free Access

• The new regime enables Kosovars into the passport-free Schengen zone without a visa for periods of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• The reform is perceived in Pristina as another step towards full recognition and a boost for the ambition of the country that proclaimed independence in 2008 to join the European Union.