Varhelyi: Kosovo should double its efforts to make the dialogue successful; Von der Leyen: CSM implementation is in Kosovo's interest

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi presented the enlargement package for 2023 and the new growth plan for the Western Balkans at today's press conference.

Von der Leyen said she thought it was important for Kosovo to have a clear goal of joining the European Union.

"We are clear about what we expect from Kosovo. We talked about the implementation of the draft that Kosovo has for the Community, and this implementation would represent a big step forward. It is in the interest of Kosovo, and if we look at Kosovo and Serbia, it is important for us to give each country a unique opportunity to move forward towards the EU," Ursula von der Leyen said.

The European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Oliver Varhelyi, said that this plan could help the entire region. When it comes to Kosovo, he emphasizes that the European path for Kosovo comes through a successful dialogue.

"The Council has not yet requested an opinion from the European Commission. We are ready to give it. Our impression is that when it comes to Kosovo, the European path is achieved through dialogue. Kosovo must double its efforts to make the dialogue successful," Varhelyi said.