Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that Albania and Kosovo maintained close coordination to achieve the removal of European Union punitive measures against Kosovo, following the EU–Western Balkans Summit held in Brussels.
Speaking in a Facebook video message while traveling to The Hague, where he is set to visit former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in detention, Rama described the summit as encouraging and successful for both Albania and Kosovo.
Rama Credits Osmani for Diplomatic Success
Referring specifically to the EU decision to lift restrictive measures, Rama emphasized that the primary credit belongs to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, praising her diplomatic engagement and leadership.
“Last night we concluded an EU–Western Balkans summit that was encouraging and successful — certainly for Albania, but also for Kosovo. For the sake of truth, I must say that the President of Kosovo truly excelled,” Rama said.
He added that President Osmani’s success was the result of persuasive diplomacy, persistent efforts, and effective coordination between Tirana and Prishtina in recent weeks.
“Without wanting to take any credit, through determined work and good coordination, she managed to unblock all the funds that had been frozen by the EU for a long time,” Rama stated.
Positive Signals for Regional Cooperation
Rama’s remarks highlight strengthened cooperation between Albania and Kosovo, as well as renewed engagement between the European Union and Western Balkan countries, amid broader efforts to stabilize the region and advance European integration.
The EU’s decision to lift the measures is seen as a significant diplomatic development for Kosovo, with implications for regional relations and EU accession dynamics.
