The Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union has pledged to explore ways for closer integration of Kosovo into the European Union, Rks News reports.
Danish representatives affirmed their support for EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, though they stopped short of committing to specific steps regarding Kosovo’s membership application, which has been pending since December 2022.
“The Danish Presidency will work to find ways forward that can contribute to a closer integration of Kosovo with the EU,” the official response stated, emphasizing that the process will remain merit-based and dependent on reforms.
Although Kosovo’s application for EU membership still awaits review by the EU Council, Denmark assumes the presidency during a period of multiple geopolitical challenges following a string of previous presidencies that did not prioritize Kosovo’s case.
European Council President Antonio Costa expressed optimism about Denmark’s role:
“We can count on the Danish presidency to advance negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, and the six Western Balkan countries.”
Kosovo remains the only Western Balkan state without candidate status, largely due to non-recognition of its independence by five EU member states, which continues to stall its European aspirations.
