Costa: Progress in Dialogue Helps Kosovo for Candidate Status

Of the six Western Balkan countries, only Kosovo does not have that status, though it had applied two years earlier.

The application has never been addressed, with the reason that there are political implications due to the perceived five. In a conversation with reporters from the region, he orders things can move as soon as there is progress in the dialogue process.

The most important “is to continue with reforms in Kosovo. Have full implementation of commitments on the part of Kosovo, because all this helps. While realising obligations from the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is essential to creating conditions to move forward”, Antonio Costa said.

Just two days after taking office, he had met leaders of the Western Balkans. The first summit to chair, for coincidence, will be the one with the countries in the region, to be held on December 18th.

Antonio Costa promises that enlargement will take priority during his term at the helm of the EU Council.

The enlargement is important because the Western Balkans is part of our European family. We share the same story, the same values and the same culture on our diversity, and it is also the most important geopolitical investment we can make for our security and prosperity for the future. I hope that during my mandate it will be possible to take final steps to achieve this” expansion, Costa stressed.

Kosovo at this summit will represent the country's president, Vjosa Osmani, while Serbia's counterpart from Belgrade, Aleksandar Vuciq.

There will be one more case in which the 27 European Union leaders will confirm the commitment that the six countries in the region will have their place in the European family. / RTK