Reasons the EU did not assign Kosovo timelines for membership

The Western Balkan Countries Enlargement Strategy, published several days ago by the European Commission, has not given any timetable for Kosovo's EU membership.

Among the main reasons Kosovo has not been set a deadline for membership remain the Specialised Chambers.

The European Union's office in an electronic response to Indexline has indicated that BE enlargement is based on how much reference it manages to do in the field of justice, good governance and fighting crime and corruption.

But, it stresses that the SAA of the Specialised Chambers is an important step for EU membership.

The enlargement process is based on merits and on how quickly Kosovo will arrive in the process of reforms addressing law enforcement, fundamental rights and good governance, the economy, the fight against organised crime and corruption, public administration, education. Kosovo must implement the SAA. It is also very important that Kosovo respect its engagement in the Special Chambers” said in the EU's response.

Unlike Kosovo, deadlines of membership have been set for Montenegro and Serbia. However, the EU Office has said that neither these two states nor have the fixed date of membership, and that Kosovo is treated equally to all other states in the region.

“The EU enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans treats Kosovo as equal to other states in the region and offers a clear perspective of membership in Balkan countries in the EU. The criteria for membership have not changed, but through this strategy there is a possibility that some countries will reach the path of integration. Montenegro and Serbia are the only countries that have opened negotiations and that 2025 is neither a fixed date nor a target for membership. It shows a possible time perspective, reflecting on the strong European commitment” is said in their response.