US, EU back Kosovo's commitment to fighting corruption, organised crime

So said in a joint US and EU statement, published on October 20th.

The declaration has been published a day after the European Commission has approved the enlargement package and progress reports for the countries of the region involved in the process.

“We underline our full support for the enlargement process. EU membership, declared priority of the entire Western Balkans, helps consolidate democratic institutions, protect fundamental rights and advance rule of law. This region belongs to the European Union. The closest integration will strengthen stability and contribute to the prosperity of people in the region. In this context, we underline that membership negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia should start without delay”, it is said in the joint statement, broadcast the REL.

Especially in this statement are Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, countries where there have been tensions in recent months.

The EU and the US support Kosovo's actions in the fight against organised crime, and encourage parties to commit to easing Kosovo-Serbia tensions.

“We underline the importance of the EU facilitated dialogue, which is the key mechanism to address the comprehensive normalisation of reports between Serbia and Kosovo. After the tensions of the last weeks in northern Kosovo, we encourage both sides to engage in a sustainable enlargement and avoid actions that threaten stability”, it has been said among other things in the statement.

“We welcome and support Kosovo's commitment to the fight against organised crime and corruption, and reiterate that violence against civilians, journalists, police or any other authority is unacceptable”.

The joint statement has come days after European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security High Representative Josep Borrell has considered Kosovo Police's action to fight smuggling in several Kosovo cities, including the north, unilaterally.

As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States and the European Union reiterate full support for territorial integrity, as well as efforts to promote constitutional and electoral reforms and preserve the functionality of state institutions.

“We are seriously concerned due to the rise of divisive rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on all parties to respect and protect state institutions, resume constructive dialogue, and take steps to advance progress on the path of European integration, including through relevant reforms. The European Union and the United States remain ready to assist in this regard”, it is highlighted in the statement.

The EU and the US have also called on all political forces in Montenegro to work together to maintain and strengthen strategic orientation, which reflects the desire of the people of Montenegro to reform through which hope for a future in the EU becomes a reality.

Recently, the United States' commitment to the Western Balkan region has increased.

At the same time, calls from both sides of the Atlantic have also increased for the EU and the US to act together in this region so that major problems can be resolved, which may have potential for new tensions.

Days ago, European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security High Representative Josep Borrell has held a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and among other things they have discussed the Western Balkans.