European Council President Antonio Costa stated today in Prishtina that the enlargement towards the Western Balkan countries is the most important geopolitical investment for the European Union.
He affirmed that Kosovo’s place is within the EU, but stressed that this requires the fulfillment of Kosovo’s commitments.
“It is also my personal commitment. I cannot emphasize enough how important enlargement is for the European Union and, I believe, also for you and your country. It is an investment in peace and stability, and it brings considerable benefits to your citizens. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a great opportunity. It is essential to continue working on the implementation of your ambitious reform agenda, so that you can fully benefit from it. I welcome your words on the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. As you know, it is also vital to achieve real and tangible progress in this dialogue and to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. This would benefit your European path and, ultimately, the lives of the citizens of Kosovo.”
Costa further emphasized, “Kosovo’s place is in the European Union family, but this also requires you to fulfill your commitments. With the new European Union Special Representative, Mr. Peter Sorensen, appointed this year, it is time to seize this opportunity and move forward. You have worked hard to strengthen your democracy over the past years, and I am convinced that you will continue in the same direction. This also includes building consensus among the different political forces.”
“Ultimately, everything depends on building trust – on being a reliable and stable partner, within the country, with your neighbors, and with your partners in the European Union. Thank you very much, Madam President.”
Regarding the EU measures against Kosovo, Costa expressed his desire for de-escalation to allow for their removal. “These measures are linked to the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and in the north of the country. And what I want is that as soon as possible we have this de-escalation, and then we can move forward and lift these measures. I hope that the recent events do not represent a new trend, but are an exception that confirms the rule that you are fully committed to this European path to de-escalate and, as the Madam President said yesterday, to engage in this dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.”
