Kosovo started to deliver its biometric passports on Monday (October 31st), fulfilling one of the more important criteria for visa liberialisation with the EU. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci hailed it as a "big step".The West recognized Kosovo's independence in February, 2008.
"It is a document that equalises the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo with those of the EU," Thaci said at a ceremony during which the first biometric passports were handed over. He dubbed the occasion "Day of European Kosovo".
The above linked article does a good job of outlining just what it takes for a new state to get up to speed with established states. Biometric ID management and developing the ability to share information effectively within bi-lateral and multilateral agreements are very important to the process.
