Dutch Member of the European Parliament Thijs Reuten said the European Union no longer has any justification to keep Kosovo under restrictive measures now that the local elections have been completed successfully and inclusively, including in the northern municipalities.
Reuten stressed that the EU must also move forward with reviewing Kosovo’s EU membership application, submitted in 2022, despite the objections of the five non-recognizing member states.
The Dutch MEP, a strong supporter of Kosovo’s European path, emphasized the need to accelerate EU integration for the entire Western Balkans, noting that Kosovo remains the only country in the region without candidate status, even though it applied three years ago.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Belgrade Security Conference, Reuten said the EU has allowed the process to stall without reason.
“Kosovo’s application must finally be examined. There is no reason it should remain pending for so long,” he said, adding that non-recognition by five EU members should not be used as a pretext for inaction.
“We can proceed with the process regardless of that fact.”
Lift the Measures, Advance the Dialogue
Reuten argued that the first step after the local elections should be the removal of EU punitive measures against Kosovo, which he described as unjustified from the beginning.
“Now that elections are completed, the measures should be lifted immediately. We will soon have new mayors taking office, and this is the right moment for the Commission and member states to act,” he said.
He added that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue urgently needs new momentum and a more balanced approach from the EU, noting that the process has been “unequal” so far.
Equal Treatment of Communities Across the Region
Reuten also called for a consistent and fair approach to minority rights, urging the EU to insist on the protection of Albanian rights in Serbia, just as Serbia demands respect for the rights of Serbs in northern Kosovo.
He said he is well aware of the passivization of addresses of Albanians in the Presheva Valley, describing the issue as a matter requiring serious attention.
Regional Stability Depends on EU Progress
According to Reuten, stability in the Western Balkans is directly linked to progress on EU integration. He urged political leaders and citizens of both Kosovo and Serbia to resist divisive external influences seeking to destabilize the region.
“The region has seen enough violence and tension. We must work together for a better future and prevent external actors from dividing us,” Reuten said, emphasizing that cooperation and EU-oriented reforms remain essential for both countries.
