Kosovo government complains to the EU: You didn't recognise our progress.

The Kosovo government has issued a statement for the media, through which it has expressed its dissatisfaction with the European Union, respectively with the EU Enlargement Strategy with the Western Balkan countries.

The government has said that Kosovo has a range of achievements that would have to be recognised and accepted by the European Union.

Despite this, Kosovo's clear commitment to efficient implementation of the SAA must be highlighted, seriousness in strengthening the rule of law and relevant institutions, and good neighbourlyity. The year 2018 would have to be when Kosovo, with its work and dedication, gains candidate status and visa liberalisation for its citizens”, the statement said.

While we are aware of the challenges ahead of us, it is extremely important that the European Union have clear policy towards Kosovo, in order to advance its integration process, and not risk our common achievements for lasting peace and stability in the region”, the Government notes.

Kosovo has a range of achievements that should be recognised and accepted by the European Union

In the EU's Strategy for Enlargement for the six Western Balkan countries published today by the European Commission, the Republic of Kosovo is treated asymmetrically, without clarity for its European future, listing only the conditions and not the Kosovo station.

The Republic of Kosovo has a range of achievements that would have to be recognised and accepted by the European Union as serious commitment to substantial advancement on the European path of our state. With the new Government, Kosovo has implemented key priorities listed in the European Reforms Agency (ERA 2017) quickly and efficiently, and thus made significant progress in meeting the SAA's overall criteria. The Kosovo government has expected this progress to be sufficient to clarify the path Kosovo has ahead of itself to gain candidate status, as it was with all other states of the region, and the Enlargement Strategy is equal opportunity and guidance for all, and not only to list the criteria without listing the results achieved.

While we are aware of the challenges that we face, it is extremely important that the European Union have clear policy towards Kosovo, in order to advance its integration process, and not risk our common achievements for lasting peace and stability in the region. These are also the expectations of Kosovo citizens who expect equal treatment from the European Union for all European citizens.

Even so, Kosovo's clear commitment to efficient implementation of the SAA should be stressed, seriousness in strengthening the rule of law and relevant institutions, and good neighbourhoods. The year 2018 should be the year when Kosovo, with its work and dedication, gains candidate status and visa liberalisation for its citizens.