At a summit evaluating the implementation of the Growth Plan, acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, addressed the ongoing challenges in forming a new government following the February elections.
“While we were the first to fulfill the Reform Agenda, delays in forming the new government after the elections have caused setbacks. These delays were not due to choices but circumstances. This was an exercise of democracy, where deputies expressed their free will, procedures were respected, and disputes resolved through the courts,” Kurti stated, emphasizing that Kosovo is now heading toward its third election within a year—a process he described as free, fair, and competitive.
Kurti also congratulated Albania on advancing toward European Union membership. “I want to start by congratulating Albania on opening the final chapter of EU accession negotiations, marking progress in all 33 chapters. This is a significant achievement. Kosovo’s own progress, verified internationally, contrasts with the EU’s delayed recognition of our candidacy,” he said.
He criticized the EU’s punitive measures against Kosovo, calling for their removal, echoing the views of former EU High Representative Josep Borrell. “The sanctions imposed on our democratic state in the Western Balkans hinder our full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. These measures must be lifted entirely,” Kurti insisted.
Kurti outlined Kosovo’s economic and institutional progress, including its ranking as the safest country in the region, its growth in combating corruption, and its removal from the World Bank and IMF fragile states list. He highlighted infrastructure projects, digital transformation, and regional trade initiatives as key areas for continued development.
On the Growth Plan’s Pillar I and II, Kurti emphasized progress in cross-border trade, SEPA integration, the WiFi4EU initiative, and digital identity services, alongside commitments to advancing regional mobility agreements under CEFTA. He also outlined plans for at least €1 billion in annual capital investments for strategic projects, underlining Kosovo’s potential as a regional hub for European AI and transport corridors.
Concluding, Kurti expressed the importance of hosting future summits in Prishtina to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration.
