Marta Kos to Visit Kosovo for the First Time, Date of Visit Revealed

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-turn-id-container=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”>

The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is expected to make her first official visit to Kosovo on Friday, May 15.
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”>

This was confirmed by unofficial sources within European institutions to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, while the visit is expected to be officially announced in the coming days.

This will be Kos’s first visit to Kosovo since taking office as European Commissioner for Enlargement in the European Commission on December 1, 2024.

Since assuming her mandate, she has visited all other countries involved in the European Union enlargement process, both in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership, some of them more than once.

Throughout 2025, the absence of her visit to Kosovo had been explained by European officials as a consequence of the lack of functional institutions in the country, due to the political crisis that has affected Kosovo in recent months.

A visit by Kos to Prishtinë had initially been planned for March 12, but it was canceled after former Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani dissolved the Kosovo Assembly on March 6.

However, according to sources in Brussels, it is now believed that the visit should proceed regardless of the political situation, since no significant changes are expected in Kosovo in the short term.

At the end of April, Kos stated in the European Parliament that she expects to visit Kosovo soon to discuss reforms related to the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

“We have lifted the measures and expect the Government to continue with the necessary reforms in order to benefit from EU support. I will soon be in Prishtina to move this issue forward,” she had declared.

On April 16, Kosovo received €61.8 million in pre-financing from the European Union under the Growth Plan, after ratifying the relevant agreements and submitting the required documentation to the European Commission.

The EU package for the Western Balkans for the 2024–2027 period is worth €6 billion. According to budget allocations, Kosovo is set to receive around €882 million, including €253 million in grants and €629 million in loans.

During a session of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs in April, Kos also spoke about the five European Union member states that do not recognize Kosovo’s independence.

Asked by the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, about contacts with the non-recognizing states, she said that developments in this regard are “encouraging,” without providing further details.

Greece, Spain, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus continue not to recognize Kosovo’s independence, declared in 2008, which is considered an obstacle to Kosovo’s progress toward European integration.

The post Marta Kos to Visit Kosovo for the First Time, Date of Visit Revealed appeared first on Euronews Albania.

Original post Here

News
Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

News
12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News
Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …