Eurodeputs approve the report for Kosovo: EU membership hinges on normalising relations with Serbia

Eurodeputs have praised Kosovo for its progress in implementing reforms related to Europe, and have once urged the EU to prepare without further delay an opinion on the merits of Kosovo's membership application.

It also suggests that Kosovo's EU membership depends on the process of normalising reports with Serbia.

In addition, in this report, the Eurodeputs praised Kosovo for achievements in its fight against corruption and organised crime.

EU Foreign Affairs Commission members call on member states that have not yet recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state, particularly Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus, Romania and Greece, to do so without further delay.

The independence of the Republic of Kosovo is irreversible, the Eurodeputs say, adding that the pace of the membership process will depend on progress in rule of law and fundamental rights and normalisation of relations with Serbia”, the announcement suggests.

Eurodeputs have expressed disappointment with the fact that the involvement of the Serb community in Kosovo institutions is very limited, so they also appeal that both sides engage in dialogue.

Meanwhile, the eurodeput's basic criticism concerns the Judiciary, who, as stressed in the Commission report, continues to be inefficient and vulnerable to unnecessary interventions.

They encourage Kosovo authorities to implement existing instruments more effectively to protect independence, efficiency and integrity of the justice system.

The report was approved by 44 votes, 8 against and 3 abstentions, while now remains to be handed over to the European Parliament for voting at the plenary session in May.