On 15 December 2022, the Republic of Kosovo submitted its application for membership in the European Union. When handing over the application to the Czech presidency in Prague, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti noted that this step answers the call and aspirations of our citizens, who deeply believe their future is within the EU.
This belief has been confirmed time and again as Kosovo and its people made huge strides in building a free and democratic society characterised by the rule of law and the respect of human rights and individual freedoms.
Our democracy today is strong and vibrant; in Kosovo, the opposition can win elections. We are regional leaders in freedom of speech and press, as well as in fighting corruption and organised crime. Our democratic and good governance progress has been recognised by international observers, including the European Commission.
There remains a lot to be done: the economy needs to be improved and reforms are underway in the justice system, among others. We are thankful that in dealing with these challenges, we have received continuous support and assistance from EU and other western democracies.
This support has not been in vain. Kosovo has continuously shown that it is a reliable partner: from day one, we have been clear and unequivocal in our condemnation of Russia’s criminal war in Ukraine, and we stood fully in line with EU sanctions against Russia.
Similarly, we advocate and work for regional peace and stability, with the aim of accelerating the EU accession process for all six Western Balkans states.
Obviously, there are some obstacles in our European path. Kosovo’s statehood is still not recognised by all EU Member States, and our relationship with Serbia needs normalisation.
But these challenges are not insurmountable.
The five EU Member States that do not recognise Kosovo have all been supportive of our European perspective, as reflected in the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, and the granting of visa liberalisation for short travel to the Schengen area. There is no reason for any of them to set up new roadblocks now.
Concerning relations with Serbia, we are ready for a final agreement in the process of the EU-facilitated dialogue, centred around mutual recognition, that would bring full normalisation between our two countries.
But, as one says, it takes two to tango! And in the case of our dialogue, Serbia is not yet willing to accept reality. Blocking Kosovo’s EU future will not help matters; it will only embolden Belgrade to continue impeding any progress in the dialogue.
Blocking Kosovo’s EU future will not help matters; it will only embolden Belgrade to continue impeding any progress in the dialogue
It is therefore strategically important to advance Kosovo’s EU integration process, first by moving towards the Commission questionnaire and, later, granting Kosovo candidate status.
Such steps will help not only Kosovo, but also the Western Balkans and the EU. Granting candidate status does not equal recognition, for those five Member States that do not recognise Kosovo. Let us cross that bridge when we get to it.
Accepting Kosovo’s membership application is the final piece in this EU-integration puzzle. And it would be pivotal for the whole continent: integrating the Western Balkans into the EU is not the end of the road, it’s the beginning of a new era in Europe.
We want to contribute to the creation of this new era. Kosovo is ready.