Prime Minister Kurti calls for candidate status for the EU
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, in his meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized that Kosovo deserves candidate country status.
Quick Look
- Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Pristina.
- Kurti stated that Kosovo's EU candidacy status and membership negotiations should be initiated, citing democratic and economic successes.
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Why It Matters
Kosovo made its official application for EU membership approximately four years ago. The country is the only country in Europe that does not have candidate country status.
Prime Minister Kurti made joint statements to the press in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was on a tour of the Balkan countries. In his speech here, Kurti stated that Kosovo is a reliable partner of the EU.
Pointing out that Kosovo's application for EU membership will complete its 4th anniversary in December, Kurti emphasized that his country meets the criteria for candidate country status and opening of membership negotiations on the basis of merit.
Kurti said:
"We are the only country in Europe that does not have the status of a candidate country. We hope that the EU Commission and the Council of the EU will realize this request that we deserve. We are not asking for a favor or a privilege. Given our democratic success, economic growth, widespread prosperity and the current security situation, the status of a candidate country is something that Kosovo deserves."
CALL TO EU INSTITUTIONS
Stating that they discussed candidate country status and membership negotiations during the meeting, Kurti said that EU institutions should make this possible.
Open Questions
- When will the EU Council decide on candidate status?
