European Council President Antonio Costa stated that Kosovo’s upcoming parliamentary elections could represent a key moment for consolidating reforms and strengthening the country’s constructive engagement on its path toward European Union membership.
Speaking after the conclusion of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Brussels, Costa welcomed steps taken to build trust between communities in Kosovo, emphasizing the political importance of the forthcoming electoral process.
“Regarding Kosovo, we welcome the steps taken to build confidence between communities. The upcoming parliamentary elections may be a key moment for consolidating reforms and for constructive engagement on the European integration path,” Costa said, as reported by KlanKosova.
Costa described the summit as the most important moment of the year to reaffirm the strength of relations between the European Union and the Western Balkans, stressing that the meeting delivered a clear and strong message of EU support.
“We strongly support the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union,” he underlined.
EU Enlargement Remains a Core Priority
The President of the European Council emphasized that EU enlargement remains at the heart of shared objectives, calling it the right choice for three main reasons:
- Geopolitical stability: “An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger, and more peaceful Europe.”
- Shared prosperity: “Every previous enlargement has proven to strengthen our common prosperity.”
- Credibility of the EU project: “The European Union remains an attractive and credible project, and we must live up to the expectations it creates.”
Costa noted that the enlargement process is advancing faster now than at any time in the past 15 years, urging all parties to seize this momentum.
“Enlargement is a merit-based process, not a race or competition among candidates. Those who move faster should not be held back by others; instead, they should set the pace and serve as inspiration,” he said.
Progress in the Region
Costa highlighted Montenegro and Albania as countries that have made notable progress this year. In particular, he praised Albania for opening all negotiating chapters within a very short timeframe, with the most recent chapters opened in November.
“Next year will be the moment of truth for accelerating reforms,” Costa said.
He concluded by stressing that only by overcoming the past can the Western Balkans fully assume their role as future EU members and contribute to a stable, prosperous, and united Europe.
“The EU is — and will remain — the most reliable partner of the Western Balkans. They are part of the European family, and the European Union is their home,” Costa concluded.
