European Council President Antonio Costa said today in Pristina that a reduction in tensions in the region and in northern Kosovo is necessary in order for the European Union (EU) to lift punitive measures against Kosovo.
"As you know, these measures are related to the need to reduce tensions in the region and in the north of the country. I hope that de-escalation will occur as soon as possible. After de-escalation, we can move forward and lift the measures," Košta said at a joint press conference with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani.
The EU imposed punitive measures on Kosovo in 2023, after tensions escalated in the north, and continues to maintain them, arguing that Kosovo has not yet done enough to calm the situation in the majority Serb municipalities in the north.
Košta called the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans "the greatest geopolitical investment."
"This is a great opportunity for the Western Balkans and it is essential to continue with the reform agenda and reap its benefits. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is in the interest of the citizens and this process is vital for your path towards the European Union," Košta stressed.
This visit comes at a time when Kosovo leaders are stepping up calls for the European Union to lift punitive measures imposed following tensions in the north.
Košta was in Montenegro this morning, while he visited Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the day before.
Tomorrow, he will be in Albania and participate in the European Political Community summit being held in Tirana.
Kurti calls for complete and immediate lifting of restrictive measures
During his visit to Pristina, Košta will also meet with the Prime Minister in technical mandate, Albin Kurti.
Kurti assessed that Kosovo is European in values, history and culture, and is fully committed to becoming a member of the European Union.
As announced by the Government of Kosovo, Kurti said during the meeting with Košta that almost two and a half years have passed since Kosovo submitted its application for EU membership and asked Košta to play an active role in submitting the questionnaire and granting candidate status for membership.
He also called for the complete and immediate lifting of EU restrictive measures against Kosovo, the statement added.
He mentioned that, according to international organizations such as Freedom House, Transparency International and the World Justice Project, Kosovo has made the greatest progress in the rule of law, the fight against corruption, order and security, that, according to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, it has the fastest growing economy in the region, and that Kosovo is the first to submit the Reform Agenda within the EU Growth Plan on time.
Kurti stressed that Kosovo has made progress in fulfilling reforms, which is confirmed in the EU's progress reports for Kosovo.
Regional security was also discussed during the meeting. The Prime Minister said that threats to the region come from Serbia, which is responsible for the paramilitary and terrorist attack in Banjska in September 2023, as well as for its continued ties with the Russian Federation. The Prime Minister requested that (Milan) Radoičić be handed over to the judicial institutions of Kosovo, the Kosovo Government statement further said.
At the meeting, Kurti also expressed concern about the violation of the rights of Albanians in Preševo, Medveđa and Bujanovac.
"Albanians in the Presevo Valley are underrepresented in public institutions, discriminated against in employment, and their rights are constantly ignored," he said.
Bonus video:
