En a gesture of rejection in Kosovo, the bar MAMA’S, in Pristina, prohibits “EU citizens” from enjoying free movement in its premises in the capital.
The restaurant is in Pristina, opposite the headquarters of EULEX, the EU mission that supports the development of rule of law institutions.
Employees of the organization remain customers.
The owner, Shpejtim Pefqeli maintains the veto: “This is my way of protesting against discrimination for not being able to move freely. Our people, our young people, are isolated.”
In Pristina, residents express their frustration after the leaders of European countries did not facilitate access for Kosovars
“We remain the only country in Europe without the right to free movement. Regardless of the justifications, nothing can justify this way of enslaving the citizens of Kosovo.”
“I am very disappointed. We are a young country, we are ambitious. We want to be able to travel without visa restrictions. I cannot understand why we are being rejected. We are human beings, like everyone else.”
Five European Union countries do not recognize Kosovo’s independence from Serbia: Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Romania. For now, Kosovars will still need a visa to enter the Schengen zone.
