Antonio Costa advocates for Kosovo to meet European Union obligations during his Western Balkans tour.
Kosovo and the EU: Antonio Costa Emphasizes Commitment to Dialogue Amidst Political Turmoil
🗓️ May 14, 2025
Text, Chats, Statuses | Kosovo, EU, Antonio Costa:---:|:---:|:---:During his Western Balkans tour, European Council President Antonio Costa paid a visit to Kosovo, currently in the midst of an institutional and parliamentary crisis. Three months following the elections, a new parliament chair has yet to be chosen, and the formation of a new government remains elusive.
Costa met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who is also an MP in the new parliament on a technical mandate. At a joint press conference, Costa underscored the importance of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue for the EU integration of both countries.
"The enlargement to the Western Balkans is the most crucial geopolitical investment for the European Union. It's my personal commitment," Costa said, adding, "I can't stress enough how significant enlargement can be for the European Union, and I believe, also for you."
Kosovo, the last among the Western Balkan six to join the 27-member bloc, submitted its EU membership candidacy in 2022. It remains the only one with the status of a potential candidate. While Kosovo is a hopeful for EU membership, Costa emphasized that it requires delivering on commitments, strengthening democracy, and building political consensus within the country.
A former Serbian province, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. Official recognition of Kosovo's independence by Serbia has been elusive, and ongoing dialogue between the two, mediated by Brussels since 2013, has faced stalemate in recent years. Five EU countries—Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain—have yet to recognize Kosovo's independence.
The visit by Antonio Costa underscores the EU's continued dedication to the Western Balkans region, with political stability, institutional reforms, and ongoing dialogue with Serbia being key requirements for moves forward in the accession process. Costa also commended Montenegro for progress on the European path, encouraging other Western Balkan countries to capitalize on the momentum of EU enlargement.
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Kosovo's political situationKosovoEuropean UnionAntonio Costa
- Despite the ongoing institutional crisis in Kosovo, European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the significance of Kosovo's commitment to dialogue with Serbia for the EU's policy-and-legislation regarding the Western Balkans war-and-conflicts resolution and future migration.
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