I am back in Pristina today, one year after my first visit, to reaffirm the European Union’s continued support to Kosovo* on its European path.
Since 1999, the European Union has been Kosovo’s strongest and most reliable partner, and the largest provider of financial assistance. To date, we have invested €3.7 billion – in education, infrastructure, energy, the environment, businesses, human rights and the rule of law.
And we are ready to do more. Because we believe Kosovo’s future is in the European Union. In times of global geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability, enlargement is not just an opportunity. It is a geostrategic necessity for Europe. An investment in the peace, stability and security of our continent.
As such, I commend Kosovo’s full and voluntary alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. It is a clear signal of Kosovo’s strategic orientation.
As Kosovo heads to elections this weekend, my message to all the political leaders that I met today was simple: partnership comes with responsibility.
The EU can support Kosovo, but it cannot do Kosovo’s homework. Kosovo needs strong, stable and functioning institutions capable of delivering reforms and seizing opportunities the European Union offers. In my meetings today, I have therefore encouraged all political actors to make European integration a priority, beyond political divisions, and to work together toward this shared goal.
The Kosovo Constitution upholds European values: cross-party dialogue and respect for all communities in their diversity. Political leaders must ensure these values work in practice.
Fostering good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation is also an essential priority to ensure the security and economic prosperity of the region. The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is critical in this regard. Let me underline: normalisation is essential for the European future of both Kosovo and Serbia. There has been important progress recently. We should build upon it and ensure the full implementation of the Ohrid agreement.
To conclude, I would like to mention our important summit this Friday. Leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans will gather in Tivat, Montenegro. This summit will be an important moment, demonstrating our shared commitment to a European future.
Thank you.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.