Lost in translation? Macron’s words on Kosovo visas cause stir in region

The wording of a speech given by French President Emmanuel Macron caused quite a stir in Albania and Kosovo as part of it appeared to get lost in translation and led to fears he had unilaterally suspended Kosovo’s long-awaited visa liberalisation, set to come into force on 1 January 2024.

After arriving late to the Berlin Process Summit, held in Tirana, due to issues at home in France, Macron joined Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to sign several agreements between the two countries.

In a press conference, the topic moved to the situation between Kosovo and Serbia. Macron said, “I say this with great clarity: we have made a gesture of confidence on the issue of visas. As far as France is concerned, it is suspended from respecting the word given, and the word today is not kept. I am waiting for a real commitment from these two authorities to move forward in the coming weeks. This is the very condition for peace throughout the region.”

This was translated into Albanian and widely reported as Macron taking a unilateral and definite decision to suspend the visa liberalisation of all Kosovo citizens.

A spokesperson for the Elysee was able to clarify the situation. When asked if Marcon had suspended it or was going to, they answered, “This is not the case. The decision has not been taken, it is up to the authorities of Kosovo and in any case, it is a European decision.”

They further clarified, “The president was speaking for the tensions with Serbia and Kosovo. In the context of the blockage from Pristina, the President considers that the topic of visa liberalisation is still open.”

The decision to grant free movement to Kosovo citizens has been signed off on by the Commission, Parliament and Council and is set to come into force. It cannot, therefore, be suspended by one member state on a whim. There are processes to delay or stop the liberalisation, but this would likely receive significant pushback.

The Netherlands initiated Such a process only once before against Albania, but it did not pass the Council. These revisions are usually only considered under rules considering threats like migration or security.

The Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that it had not received any notification of suspension.

While the ‘lost in translation’ moment has been accepted, analysts and journalists believe there was some intention in his words, meant to warn Kosovo to toe the European Union line.

Euractiv reported in the summer that Kosovo was to face imminent measures and that a suspension of the visa liberalisation was also being considered. As Kosovo is not a EU member or even an official candidate, the matter of visa liberalisation is considered a big and important step.

Therefore, analysts say the words of Macron were designed to send a message to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and also the people of Kosovo to pressure their government.

France, and the EU’s demands include the deescalation of tensions in the north, the holding of new elections and a reduction in the number of special police units.

Serbian President Aleksander Vucic reacted to the furore, stating he did not want to comment and then said, “Thanks to Macron for many things, for the friendship he shows towards Serbia.”

The Dutch MEP, Thjis Reuten, who was the rapporteur for visas in the European Parliament, clarified that the citizens of Kosovo would travel to European countries from January 1, adding that the position of France is not the same as that of the EU and that President Macron does not have the power to change it.

“The liberalisation of visas for Kosovo will be effective from January 1, 2024. This decision was taken unanimously by the Council months ago. France’s attempt to revoke this decision is not the position of the EU, and President Macron does not have the power to unilaterally take such steps,” said Reuten.

Reuten says that their attitude toward Macron will not help the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and that the punishment of Kosovo will be interpreted as a stimulus for Serbia to continue with obstacles in the reconciliation process.

“This reckless move is disturbing the already uncertain situation in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. This discussion should not be part of our efforts to normalise relations between Serbia and Kosovo because it has nothing to do with it. It would incentivise Serbia to impede the necessary normalisation instead of the much-needed good faith engagement between the two countries facilitated by the EU.”

(Alice Taylor | Euractiv.com)