Kos: Kosovo’s path to the EU goes through dialogue with Belgrade, not unilateral actions

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized today that "Kosovo’s path to the EU goes through the dialogue on normalization of relations with Belgrade, not through unilateral actions," Demokracia reports.

During a debate with members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Kos spoke about EU enlargement, the situation in Ukraine, and the EU’s neighborhood policy. She urged that institutions in Kosovo be formed as soon as possible, which is a process necessary for progress on reforms related to the European Union.

“Following the recent elections in Kosovo, it is crucial that institutions are formed quickly and that key reforms in the judiciary, media, and public administration move forward. A functional government and a functional assembly are essential for Kosovo to benefit from the EU Growth Plan,” Kos said.

Kosovo the only in the region without negotiations underway

The Commissioner also discussed the EU integration processes of the Western Balkan countries.

Kosovo remains the only in the region with a European perspective, yet its application for candidate status has not been reviewed. Kos confirmed her willingness to address the request but stressed that the initiative must come from EU member states.

She reiterated that dialogue and restraint from unilateral moves are the only way forward toward European integration:

“The European Commission is ready to prepare an opinion on Kosovo’s EU membership application as soon as the Council requests it. But let me be clear: Kosovo’s path to the EU lies through dialogue on normalization with Belgrade, not through unilateral actions,” Kos said.

Simpler procedures for joining the EU

Speaking about countries in the region, Kos criticized the Serbian President’s recent visit to Moscow and said she told President Aleksandar Vucic that it complicates Serbia’s EU integration efforts. She urged Serbia to continue with reforms and rebuild public trust.

She praised the progress made by Albania and Montenegro in their membership negotiations and encouraged other countries in the region to accelerate the implementation of reforms. She noted that negotiations with Albania are already underway and include 24 chapters.

Kos also stated that the European Commission is considering ways to simplify EU accession procedures to reduce the risk of bilateral disputes affecting the process in the current sensitive geopolitical context. She expressed her willingness to cooperate in the dialogue between Skopje and Sofia.

“We have a political objective to intensify accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia as soon as the necessary constitutional changes are adopted. Bulgaria and North Macedonia need to begin negotiations and find a resolution to their bilateral issue, and I am ready to cooperate and available if needed,” Kos said.