Hoxhaj: Lack of Euro-Atlantic perspective for Balkans paves way for Russia to destabilise region

According to Hoxhaj, there is no region within European geography that may be more suitable to discuss peace, stressing that Kosovo's independence is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Balkans.

Firing for the situation in the region, Hoxhaj said it is very important that the Western Balkans have clear Euro-Atlantic perspectives and resolve open bilarial issues among the countries of the region. He cited the process of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which said it must be completed with mutual recognition and Kosovo membership in the UN.

The sustainable “peace in the Balkans is done only with the integration of the region into the EU and NATO. No clarity in the Euro-Atlantic perspective also endangers the peace and stability of the Western Balkans”, Hoxhaj said.

The country's deputy prime minister, as well, said the European Union should be fair with the Western Balkan states and reward the achievements of the respective states, adding that any gaps that Europe or NATO leaves in the region constitute a more opportunity for Russia to intervene and influence the region to cause destabilisation.