The Acting First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo for European Integration, Development, and Dialogue, Besnik Bislimi, held a meeting today with Austria’s Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, Claudia Plakolm, and Slovenia’s State Secretary for European Affairs, Neva Grašič.
During the meeting, discussions focused on Kosovo’s European integration process, economic development, dialogue with Serbia, and the security situation in the region. The parties emphasized the importance of close regional cooperation and reiterated Austria and Slovenia’s continued support for Kosovo on its path toward the European Union.
Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi expressed gratitude to both partner countries for their consistent backing, highlighting that Kosovo has made significant progress over the past four years. He pointed to the highest economic growth rate in the region, a drop in unemployment from 23.8% to 10.9%, as well as social policies supporting mothers and children, increased pensions, and a raised minimum wage.
Bislimi underlined that these achievements, along with visa liberalization and Kosovo’s application for EU membership, demonstrate that Kosovo is ready to obtain candidate country status.
The meeting also addressed the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Berlin Process, EU enlargement, and the need for lifting EU measures against Kosovo.
