PRISTINA/BRUSSELS (AA) – President of the European Union (EU) Council Antonio Costa stated that Kosovo needs strong, stable and functioning institutions that can implement reforms, benefit from the opportunities offered by the EU and fulfill all commitments within the scope of the dialogue process with Serbia. EU Council President Costa, in his post about his visit to Kosovo on the social media platform of US-based company X, said, “As Kosovo goes to elections this weekend, my message is clear: Our partnership brings responsibility.” he said.
Stating that he encouraged political leaders to prioritize EU integration by overcoming political divisions and to work together towards this common goal, Costa said, “Kosovo needs strong, stable and functioning institutions that can implement reforms, benefit from the opportunities offered by the EU and fulfill all commitments within the scope of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.” made his assessment. Costa, who visited Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, as part of the Balkans tour, met with Parliament Speaker Albulena Haxhiu, who is acting as the President of Kosovo.
According to the statement made by the Kosovo Presidency, Haxhiu thanked Costa for his visit and the EU Council’s continued interest in the region. Stating that Kosovo sees EU membership as a strategic goal, citizens’ political choice and long-term state interest, Haxhiu stated that his country is among the most pro-European societies in the region. During the meeting, Kosovo’s EU integration process, the implementation of the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the advancement of reforms were discussed.
Haxhiu noted that the plan in question offers important opportunities in terms of economic development, getting closer to the European common market and providing direct benefits to citizens. Costa also emphasized that issues related to the EU membership process and the implementation of the growth plan require national consensus and inter-party agreement beyond political and party differences in Kosovo. The parties also stated that, while evaluating regional developments, security and stability issues, the European perspective of the Balkans should be supported with concrete, fair and equal steps for all countries that implement reforms and adhere to European values.
Haxhiu stated that Kosovo will continue to maintain close relations with the EU and remain committed to an integration process in which progress is evaluated according to merit, fulfillment of criteria and reform performance. On the other hand, Costa also met with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and political party leaders as part of his visit to Kosovo.
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