The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the plenary session of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, in Tivat, Montenegro.
In her address to the leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans, Acting President Haxhiu emphasized that the enlargement of the European Union should be seen as a strategic necessity for the peace, security and stability of the continent, especially in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the increase in hybrid threats in Europe and the region.
“Kosovo is among the most pro-European societies in the region. We have proven our commitment through reforms, full alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as our contribution to regional peace and stability,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
She underlined that Kosovo’s progress should also be recognized in the European integration process, adding that more than three years following the application for membership in the European Union, it is time for the European Union to unite around a decision on the candidate country status for Kosovo and the opening of membership negotiations.
“Kosovo does not seek shortcuts. We seek a fair, credible and merit-based process. The membership process has a transformative power for democracy, institutions and the economy, and it is time for Kosovo to take the next step,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
In her address, Acting President Haxhiu also welcomed the European Union’s decision to open negotiations for integration in the “Roam Like at Home” area, as well as the steps towards gradual integration within the framework of the Growth Plan and the Regional Common Market. She emphasized that gradual integration should serve the ultimate goal: full membership in the European Union.
Acting President Haxhiu also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, the implementation of agreements reached and the equal treatment of all states on the European path, without political obstacles when the European Union standards are met.
Speaking about regional security, she stressed that the security challenges in the Western Balkans must be addressed with clarity and responsibility. In this context, Acting President Haxhiu recalled that almost three years after the terrorist attack in Banjska, there is still no justice for the murdered Kosovo policeman, while the main perpetrator and his paramilitary group continue to be free and protected by Serbia.
In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu reaffirmed that Kosovo is ready to continue reforms, deepen cooperation with the European Union and contribute to a safer, more democratic and more integrated Western Balkans within the European family. She emphasized that equal treatment of minorities is a European value, sanctioned in the European Union treaties, and that all states must adhere to European standards for the protection of human and minority rights.
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