Costa: I hope that the latest events in northern Kosovo are not a trend but an exception; de-escalation necessary

President of the European Council António Costa emphasized that the enlargement of the European Union to include Western Balkan countries is the most important geopolitical investment Brussels can make. He stated that Kosovo has its place in the EU—but only if it fulfills its obligations under the dialogue with Serbia.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani responded by saying that the vision of EU enlargement is needed more than ever and that she expects the path toward EU membership to finally open for Kosovo.

“I cannot stress enough how important enlargement is for the European Union—and, I believe, for you. It is an investment in peace and stability and brings significant benefits to your citizens. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a great opportunity. It is essential to continue working on implementing your ambitious reform agenda so that you can take full advantage of it. As you know, it is vital to achieve real and tangible progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. That would be in the interest of your European path and, ultimately, in the best interest of the people of Kosovo,” Costa stated.

He affirmed that Kosovo belongs in the EU—but emphasized that it must fulfill its obligations.

“With the new EU Special Representative, Peter Sørensen, appointed this year, now is the time to seize the opportunity and move forward. You have worked hard over recent years to strengthen democracy, and I am confident you will continue in that direction. That also means building consensus among different political forces,” Costa explained.

He stressed that it all comes down to building trust—being a reliable and stable partner domestically, with neighbors, and with European Union partners.

Speaking about the lifting of measures imposed on Kosovo, Costa said he would like to see de-escalation to enable that step.

“These measures are linked to the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and in northern Kosovo. What I want is for this de-escalation to happen as soon as possible so that we can move forward and lift these measures. I hope that the recent events do not represent a new trend but rather an exception that proves the rule—that you are fully committed to the European path toward de-escalation and, as the president said yesterday, engagement in this dialogue with Belgrade,” Costa added.

Osmani: We Expect the Path to the EU to Finally Open for Kosovo

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani reiterated that the vision of EU enlargement is needed more than ever and said she expects the path toward EU membership to finally open for Kosovo.

“For Kosovo and our people, the European Union has always been the only path—not one of many options, but the first and only way. Let’s not take that for granted,” Osmani said at a joint press conference.

She emphasized that the EU enlargement vision—as a strategic project that strengthens peace, security, and democracy—is more needed now than ever, as bold steps are not optional but essential in times of challenge.

“Kosovo is ready to move forward on the path of European integration. Our institutions are growing stronger, and our citizens are the most pro-European in the entire region,” Osmani stressed.

That is why, she added, Kosovo expects to make progress in this process under Costa’s leadership.

“And that the path to the European Union will finally open for Kosovo,” Osmani underlined.

She once again expressed hope that EU member states would agree to lift what she described as unjustly imposed measures against Kosovo.

She added that it is high time Kosovo’s application for EU membership is taken seriously:

“That it doesn’t remain an archived document, but is treated as a priority.”

She reiterated her hope that the imposed measures would be lifted, stating again that they were unjust.

Osmani also expressed hope that the five EU member states that have not recognized Kosovo will treat that issue with priority.

She further noted that the appointment of a new EU special envoy for dialogue will bring new energy to the process, expressing her belief that the focus should be on mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia.