President Vjosa Osmani met today with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Ambassador Rene Troccaz, to discuss political developments in Kosovo and regional security.
In a media statement, Osmani reaffirmed Kosovo’s strategic orientation toward EU and NATO integration and its commitment to Council of Europe membership. She also emphasized Kosovo’s dedication to political stability and fully functioning democratic institutions, noting the recent election of the Speaker of Parliament and most Deputy Speakers as key milestones.
Regarding the construction of new bridges over the Ibar River, Osmani expressed strong support, highlighting their role in integration, community connection, and easing mobility and trade. She recalled that the main bridge in Mitrovica, closed in 1999, was shut due to harmful political decisions rather than security concerns. Even 26 years later and 10 years after the Brussels agreement, the bridge remains closed.
Osmani stressed that tensions are not caused by bridges but by violent actors, specifically illegal and criminal structures financed by Serbia, which have generated fear and instability in northern Kosovo over decades.
On the topic of EU restrictive measures against Kosovo, the President criticized them as unjust, harming citizens’ welfare, democratic processes, development, and the credibility of EU-led dialogue.
She concluded by reaffirming Kosovo’s readiness to be a reliable partner in strengthening peace, stability, and regional cooperation.
