EU must keep promise of open door to Kosovo and Serbia

10.32.10am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Feb 2008

Sarah with Kosovan President Fatmir Sejdiu

Commenting on Kosovo's declaration of independence, London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has insisted the EU must not waver in its support and promise of eventual EU membership for all western Balkan countries.

"The EU is showing its maturity in the launch of a major support mission for Kosovo. It will be crucial that together with NATO troops, guarantees of non-discrimination against the ethnic Serb minority are fully honoured. It would be good to hear Kosovo's new prime minister Hashim Thaci issue some reassurance in the Serb language."

"But the EU must keep its promises to develop both Kosovo and Serbia towards EU membership; any backsliding on that would be disastrous. The major challenge in both Serbia and Kosovo is the economy and job creation, and it is in the interests of EU citizens that investment and market opening be generous."

"The best single move would be to make a rapid reality of the lifting of visa requirements for Serbs and Kosovars to visit the EU. This must though go hand-in hand with determined action to tackle organised crime and especially trafficking of all kinds so that security is enhanced."

Sarah Ludford has a long record of support for Kosovo. She was a founder member of the all-party group on Kosovo at Westminster in 1998 in her capacity as a member of the House of Lords. After election as an MEP she went there for the first time in October 1999 and thereafter made numerous visits as a member for 8 years of the European Parliament Balkans delegation.