Costa faces Kosovo's request for candidate country status

Antonio Costa used his second visit to Kosovo as President of the European Council to reiterate the call for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement. Although he was asked about Serbia's responsibility for the terrorist attack in Banjska, he did not warn of measures from the European Union, but called on the parties to focus on the future.

The President of the European Council (EC), Antonio Costa, has not warned of measures against Serbia for the terrorist attack in Banjska, Zvečan, in 2023, where Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed.

He made the announcement after his visit to Pristina on Wednesday, where he met with institutional and political leaders. He congratulated Kosovo for voluntarily aligning its foreign policy with that of the EU and stressed that normalizing relations with Serbia remains a condition for both countries' advancement towards European integration.

In this context, he called for the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement.

Regarding Serbia's responsibility for the attack in Banjska, the EC President did not mention possible measures from the EU, but urged the parties to focus on the future.

"But we have to decide what to value - our common future or past wars with each other. We have to focus on the future. And what I am saying here is the same thing I will say in Belgrade and if it is important that you engage in dialogue, it is essential that Belgrade also engages in dialogue and for this, of course, everyone must be in good faith and know what needs to be known but focus on the future," he said, when asked about possible measures.

The former Prime Minister of Portugal said he has encouraged political leaders to prioritize European integration beyond political divisions.

Costa confirmed the EU's support, but said it cannot fulfill the tasks before Kosovo. 

Regarding the integration process, she emphasized that if Kosovo fulfills its obligations, there will be no problems from the EU side. 

"Every problem has its time. We have agreed on the reform agenda, on the process towards EU membership. It is very important that Kosovo step by step delivers on what we have agreed. The assessment is that at the end of the process we will no longer have any problems from the EU side. What is needed at the moment is this great national consensus regarding EU membership, and this can be translated into concrete actions," Costa said.

During the day, he was also received by the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti. Although there was no joint press conference after the meeting, Kurti wrote on Facebook that he thanked the President of the European Council for the continued support of the EU, which he described as the largest donor for the development of Kosovo.

Kurti also revealed the main request made to Costa.

"Our republic has made significant progress in reforms, democracy and economy, with the strengthening of the rule of law, the advancement of freedoms, the strengthening of democratic institutions and economic development," Kurti wrote. "Membership in the European Union is our determination, to which we are committed and dedicated with all our knowledge and effort. The EU must respond to our unwavering and unconditional progress towards it by granting the status of a candidate country and opening negotiations."
The acting president, Albulena Haxhiu, also said that in her meeting with Costa, she expressed the determination of Kosovo society and the state for EU integration.

"Kosovo's path towards the European Union is a strategic state interest and a democratic choice of our citizens. We discussed Kosovo's European agenda, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, reforms, regional stability and the importance of national consensus on issues related to the European Union", said Haxhiu, after the meeting. "Kosovo remains one of the most pro-European societies in the region. This clear orientation of our citizens is a strength for the country and a secure basis for our European path".

Costa also held meetings with representatives of political parties. 

PDK Secretary General Vlora Çitaku said she has reaffirmed the position that Kosovo should continue its European journey. Meanwhile, LDK President Lumir Abdixhiku stated that Kosovo should be part of the European family and that stable institutions are needed for this.

The President of the European Council also met with the chairman of the Alliance, Ardian Gjini, as well as with representatives of the Serbian List.

Since 2024, Antonio Costa has led the European Council, the institution that determines the main political directions of the European Union.

His visit to Kosovo comes ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which will be held on Friday in Tivat, Montenegro. Before Kosovo, Costa has been to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, and on Wednesday afternoon he went to North Macedonia. He will then travel to Serbia, before concluding his tour in Montenegro, where the summit will be held.