Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the plenary session of the EU–Western Balkans Summit held in Tivat.
Addressing leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans, Haxhiu stressed that EU enlargement should be viewed as a strategic necessity for the peace, security, and stability of the continent, particularly in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the growing hybrid threats facing Europe and the region.
“Kosovo is among the most pro-European societies in the region. We have demonstrated our commitment through reforms, full alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and our contribution to regional peace and stability,” Haxhiu said.
She emphasized that Kosovo’s progress should also be recognized within the European integration process, adding that more than three years after applying for EU membership, the time has come for the European Union to unite around granting Kosovo candidate country status and opening accession negotiations.
“Kosovo is not seeking shortcuts. We are asking for a fair, credible, and merit-based process. The accession process has transformative power for democracy, institutions, and the economy, and therefore it is time for Kosovo to take the next step,” the Acting President stated.
Haxhiu also welcomed the European Union’s decision to launch negotiations on Kosovo’s integration into the “Roam Like at Home” zone, as well as further steps toward gradual integration through the Growth Plan and the Regional Common Market. She underlined that gradual integration should serve the ultimate goal of full EU membership.
The Acting President highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, the implementation of reached agreements, and the equal treatment of all countries on their European path, without political obstacles when EU standards have been fulfilled.
Speaking about regional security, Haxhiu stressed that security challenges in the Western Balkans must be addressed with clarity and responsibility. In this context, she recalled that nearly three years after the terrorist attack in Banjska, justice has still not been delivered for the murdered Kosovo police officer, while the main perpetrator and his paramilitary group remain free and protected by Serbia.
In her concluding remarks, Haxhiu reaffirmed that Kosovo is ready to continue reforms, deepen cooperation with the European Union, and contribute to a safer, more democratic, and more integrated Western Balkans within the European family. She also emphasized that equal treatment of minorities is a European value enshrined in EU treaties and that all states must adhere to European standards for the protection of human and minority rights.
