Rama: Serbia’s integration important for the region, but it must meet EU criteria and recognize Kosovo

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that Serbia’s integration into the European Union was important for regional stability, but that official Belgrade must deliver concrete results, including meeting the EU’s membership criteria and recognizing Kosovo’s independence.

“What I know is that, for me and for Albanians, the winner in Belgrade is not showing openness when it comes to recognizing Kosovo. That means the ‘music’ in Belgrade will not change. We are part of a region that is not yet fully integrated into the EU, and we are the ones receiving lessons, not giving them, but Serbia is an important piece of the Western Balkans mosaic,” Rama said at the Euronews Summit in Brussels.

He recalled his efforts to ensure that Serbia was not allowed “to take the wrong path and abandon the European project.”

“When it comes to certain issues, Serbia has shown hesitation regarding Kosovo, as well as in its position toward Russia and sanctions. We need Serbia to stand with us, to be part of good-neighborly relations and to become a full member of the EU, but it must deliver results and earn that membership by fulfilling the requirements that are non-negotiable with the EU,” Rama said.

Speaking about his country’s European integration, Rama stressed that Albania’s goal was to complete negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2027.

“I am experienced in this; I have seen things you would not believe. I don’t know, but what I do know for certain is that we have worked extremely hard. There have been deadlines missed along the way on this journey. I have seen the EU fail to keep its promises, but I have also seen it accomplish great things. What I know for certain is that we are working extremely hard on a joint plan, fully supported by the European Commission, to conclude our negotiations with the EU by the end of 2027,” Rama said.