On Tuesday, MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee shared their thoughts on Kosovo’s journey towards joining the EU in 2023 and 2024. They noted that Kosovo has made solid progress in electoral reforms, strengthening its economy and protecting fundamental rights. However, there are still some hurdles to overcome, including issues with judicial reform, media freedom, efficiency in public administration, and digitalising public services. Forty-eight votes approved the report, 19 MEPs voted against it, and six abstentions.
The MEPs pointed out that the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade hasn’t delivered the desired results. They acknowledged that Kosovo is determined to join the EU and emphasised that working towards Kosovo’s integration is in the best interest of both Kosovo and the EU.
The report fully supports Kosovo’s efforts to join the Council of Europe, its plans to get involved in the NATO Partnership for Peace programme, and its aim to be part of other international groups.
MEPs also highlighted the need for strong political will to tackle high-level corruption effectively. While they welcomed the progress in handling corruption cases, they urged Kosovo to boost the Special Prosecution Office’s ability to investigate and prosecute serious organised crime.
Additionally, MEPs are calling for the EU to lift its restrictions on Kosovo, arguing that these have become unfair since Kosovo has met the necessary conditions. They pointed out that these measures clash with Kosovo’s commitment to European values and are getting in the way of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.
“It is clear that Kosovo’s integration process needs new momentum – we need a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. It is extremely positive that in Kosovo’s political landscape, all major parties are strongly in favour of EU integration. Kosovo’s future is in the European family and we will work together on the reform agenda because any future accession must be merit based,” the rapporteur, Riho Terras (EPP, ET), said.
Finally, the report encourages both Kosovo and Serbia to follow through on the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, such as setting up the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities and removing Serbia’s opposition to Kosovo joining regional and international organisations. They also urged both countries to avoid taking unilateral steps that could jeopardise the dialogue process.
