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European Union

Kosovo Seeks EU Membership and Lifting of Restrictive Measures

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti welcomed the European Council President Antonio Costa to the country, emphasizing Kosovo's commitment to EU membership and asking for an active role in the accession process. Kosovo has been waiting nearly two and a half years for an EU membership application response, with Prime Minister Kurti calling for the lifting of EU's restrictive measures against Kosovo. The meeting also touched on regional security concerns, particularly with regards to Serbia's ties with the Russian Federation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that Kosovo is "European in values, history, and culture" and is committed to becoming a member state of the European Union.
  • Almost two and a half years have passed since Kosovo applied for EU membership, with Prime Minister Kurti asking President Costa for an active role in sending the questionnaire and granting candidate country status.
  • Kosovo has made significant progress in the rule of law, fight against corruption, order and security, with organizations like Freedom House, Transparency International, and the World Justice Project recognizing the country's advancements.
  • According to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Kosovo has the fastest-growing economy in the region.
  • Kosovo was the first to submit its Reform Agenda for the EU Growth Plan on time, as per the EU's Progress Reports.
  • The Prime Minister highlighted the need for regional security cooperation, citing threats from Serbia and its ties with the Russian Federation.

Statistics:

  • Kosovo has been waiting almost two and a half years (approximately 930 days) for an EU membership application response.
  • Kosovo has the fastest-growing economy in the region, according to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
  • Kosovo submitted its Reform Agenda for the EU Growth Plan on time, as per the EU's Progress Reports.
  • According to Freedom House, Transparency International, and the World Justice Project, Kosovo has seen significant advancements in the rule of law, fight against corruption, order, and security.

Sources:

  • Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti
  • Acting First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi
  • Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo, Donika Gervalla
  • Ambassador of Kosovo to Belgium, Agron Bajrami
  • European Council President Antonio Costa
  • European Union Progress Reports for Kosovo
  • World Bank
  • International Monetary Fund
  • Freedom House
  • Transparency International
  • World Justice Project

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