The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in an interview from Berlin for the international outlet Politico, stated that for Kosovo, NATO membership is far more important and far more urgent than integration into the European Union.
“I see NATO as more urgent than EU integration. The EU will take time, even after we obtain candidate status. I believe NATO is more important for the region at this moment. For us, being in NATO means being safe,” Osmani said.
She emphasized that Russia has long-term plans and interests aimed at destabilizing the Balkans, highlighting the need for a stronger North Atlantic Alliance presence in the region.
“I believe it is in NATO’s strategic interest to expand further into the Western Balkans, especially in Kosovo and Bosnia,” the president noted.
Osmani expressed confidence that Kosovo already meets the basic criteria to become a NATO member.
“Our army is built and trained according to NATO standards. There is already extensive interoperability taking place. We are already spending more than 2% of the budget on defense, which is a NATO requirement. Within the next four years, we plan to double the defense budget and reach spending levels of up to 4% of GDP,” Osmani emphasized.
The president underlined that NATO membership would represent a vital guarantee for Kosovo’s security and the stability of the region.
