France remains one of the strongest supporters of Kosovo’s European future and is ready to assist the country in implementing the reforms and agreements necessary to advance its European Union integration, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad has said.
Speaking to RTK at the conclusion of his official visit to Kosovo, Haddad said his trip was aimed at strengthening the partnership between France and Kosovo while expanding cooperation across several key sectors.
“The message I brought to Kosovo is one of friendship. Our nations have stood side by side from the very beginning. Now we are preparing together for the future of Europe,” Haddad said.
During the visit, France and Kosovo signed five cooperation agreements covering justice, culture, and education, as well as initiatives supporting preparations for the 2030 Mediterranean Games.
Haddad also announced that France will provide a €60 million loan through the French Development Agency to help renovate Kosovo’s sports and youth infrastructure, while highlighting an additional €80 million program supporting the country’s energy transition.
Reaffirming France’s support for Kosovo’s EU aspirations, Haddad stressed that progress toward membership depends on meeting the bloc’s accession criteria.
“I support Kosovo’s European perspective, and this is the clear position of the French government,” he said.
According to Haddad, advancing toward EU membership requires continued reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and honoring international commitments.
“We will support Kosovo in implementing the Brussels Agreement and in carrying out the reforms necessary to align with European legislation,” he said.
Addressing regional security, Haddad described the Western Balkans as an important component of Europe’s security architecture and reaffirmed France’s commitment to regional stability through its contribution to the KFOR mission.
“Fortunately, the security situation is currently calm, but we must remain vigilant. That is precisely why our commitment to KFOR and the security of the region remains so important,” he said.
On economic cooperation, Haddad said Kosovo offers significant opportunities for French investment, citing growing trade relations and the increasing presence of French companies in the country.
He identified artificial intelligence, technology, the energy transition, decarbonization, sports, culture, and education as sectors with strong potential for deeper bilateral cooperation.
“I am not limiting our cooperation to sports alone. Artificial intelligence, technology, the energy transition, decarbonization, culture, and education all offer extraordinary opportunities to deepen cooperation between our two countries,” Haddad concluded.
