Lama: Kosovo’s request for candidate status was not taken seriously, time for the EU to move from words to deeds

Analyst Alma Lama emphasized that Kosovo’s application for membership in the European Union has been on hold for three years, and that the EU, which did not take this request seriously, should move from words to deeds.

“Kosovo submitted its application for European integration three years ago, but I do not know the reason why the EU has not taken this request seriously. We all know that there are barriers, that five countries have not recognized Kosovo, but I do not think that this is the right way for the EU to behave toward Kosovo in terms of integration,” Lama stated.

She said that a clear path toward integration into the EU would help Albanians in Kosovo, Serbs and other communities, as well as institutions.

“I think it is time for the EU to move from words to deeds. Not only for Kosovo, but also for the region, for the stability of the region. It would be good if next year they took Kosovo’s requests seriously and opened the path toward integration, which consists of a broad range of standards. One of them is dialogue with Kosovo and good relations with neighbors, not only for Kosovo, but also for Serbia,” Lama added.

She assesses that the Balkans are fortunate to be able to be part of the EU.

“We can say that the Balkan region is fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of European integration, even though we know that there is a major problem in the EU and Europe, such as the war in Ukraine, but the home of the Western Balkan countries is the EU. There should be real action on this issue, not just words,” Lama concluded.