Kosovo calls on EU to grant candidate status – Politico
Kyiv • UNN
Marta Kos supported Kosovo's European integration and emphasized the importance of reforms. Pristina calls on the EU to grant the country official candidate status.
During her first official visit to Kosovo, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed support for Pristina's European aspirations, while the country's authorities called on the EU to grant it candidate status for bloc membership. This was reported by Politico, according to UNN.
During her visit to Pristina, Marta Kos emphasized that Kosovo must continue reforms and the normalization of relations with Serbia to begin EU membership negotiations.
"There can be no security in Europe without Kosovo," the EU Commissioner stated.
At the same time, she noted that the country needs stable institutions and an effective government.
"Kosovo urgently needs to catch up on the implementation of EU-related priorities," Kos said during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
Politico reminds that Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and applied for EU membership in 2022, but still faces a number of obstacles.
Five EU countries—Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus—do not recognize Kosovo's independence. Furthermore, Belgrade also refuses to recognize Pristina's independence, which complicates the process of normalizing relations.
The situation is further complicated by internal political instability. Early elections are scheduled to take place in Kosovo on June 7 following the fall of the government due to the inability to elect a president.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that after 41 months since the submission of the membership application, Kosovo should receive candidate status and begin accession negotiations.
"The EU accession process will further strengthen Kosovo's democracy, accelerate economic growth, and improve the well-being of our citizens," Kurti wrote on social media.