This symbolic act has to be followed by concrete and meaningful actions, including normalisation of relations with Belgrade, say Romeo Franz and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel.
Following Kosovo’s submission of its membership application Romeo Franz (Greens/EFA, Germany), Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (Greens/EFA, Germany), Standing Rapporteur for Kosovo, issued the following statement:
“Today marks a milestone in EU-Kosovo relations. Kosovo’s application for European Union membership does not only reflect the staunchly pro-European orientation of Kosovars and the consensus among political parties. It is also a clear strategic choice in these times of unprecedented geopolitical challenges.
We commend Kosovo’s ongoing alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, first and foremost through the adoption of sanctions following the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Its strong solidarity with the people of Ukraine positions Kosovo as a reliable partner, already deeply anchored in the European and transatlantic alliance. We therefore reiterate the European Parliament’s call on the Member States that have not yet recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state to do so and thus allow it to progress on its European path on an equal footing with the other Western Balkan countries. We believe Kosovo will make additional efforts to address the manifold challenges on its European path, and in that respect expect this symbolic act of membership application to be followed by concrete and meaningful actions. One crucial element for achieving progress on the EU integration path is comprehensive normalisation of relations and successful completion of the EU-led Pristina-Belgrade Dialogue, including the serious commitment to deliver on all past agreements.
We call on the Council to mandate the European Commission to prepare an opinion on the merits of the country’s application without delay.”
Source – EU Parliament