Prime Minister Kurti: Kosovo deserves EU candidate status
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Pristina and evaluated the EU membership process.
Quick Look
In his meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Pristina, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized that Kosovo deserves the status of an EU candidate country and the start of membership negotiations.
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Why It Matters
Kosovo applied for official membership to the EU on 15 December 2022. Five EU member states do not recognize Kosovo's independence.
Prime Minister Kurti made joint statements to the press in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, with European Union (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."
Stating that they discussed candidate country status and membership negotiations during the meeting, Kurti said that EU institutions should make this possible.
Kurti added that they have great confidence in EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the candidate country status and that they see her as an important interlocutor on this issue.
Kosovo's membership application, submitted to the EU on December 15, 2022, has not yet been evaluated by member states.
EU members Spain, Slovakia, Greece, Romania and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) do not recognize Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008.
Open Questions
- When will the EU Council take steps for candidate status?
- Will the attitude of non-recognizing countries change?
