Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, stated that the country’s path toward the European Union is a strategic national interest.
She made these remarks during a meeting in Pristina with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. According to Haxhiu, their discussions covered a range of issues, including the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and regional stability.
“Kosovo’s path toward the European Union is a strategic national interest and a democratic choice made by our citizens,” Haxhiu said in a Facebook post.
Before the meetings began, Costa wrote on X that he encourages Kosovo’s political leaders to make EU integration a priority and to work together toward that common goal.
“Kosovo needs strong, stable, and capable institutions that can implement reforms, benefit from the opportunities offered by the European Union, and fulfill the commitments arising from the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue,” Costa wrote.
According to a statement released by the Presidency, Haxhiu called for progress in the integration process, noting that Kosovo remains the only country in the region that does not yet hold EU candidate status.
Kosovo submitted its application for EU membership in December 2022. However, the application has not yet advanced to the first formal stage, which involves review by the EU Council and subsequent referral to the European Commission for an official opinion.
Haxhiu emphasized that Kosovo has the most pro-European society in the region, arguing that this orientation forms the foundation of the country’s path toward EU membership.
Regarding the EU Growth Plan, she said Kosovo views it as a concrete opportunity for development, closer integration with the European single market, and direct benefits for its citizens.
The EU’s financial package for the Western Balkans, covering the period 2024–2027, amounts to €6 billion. The funds are allocated to countries in the region partly through grants and partly through concessional loans.
During his stay in Pristina, Costa is also scheduled to meet with Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, as well as leaders of Kosovo’s opposition parties.
The European official’s visit to Kosovo is part of a broader tour of the Western Balkan countries.
“My second tour of the Western Balkans sends a clear message: the European Union’s commitment to the region is real, just as the enlargement opportunity is real. The momentum exists. Now is the time to deliver results,” Costa said in a statement issued ahead of his regional visits.
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