UK and EU have negotiated a new partnership now we need a Kosovo leadership to work with us

The United Kingdom and the European Union have negotiated a new partnership. Now we need a Kosovo leadership ready to take the initiative and work with us.

It says: Jonathan Hargrees

Yesterday, leaders of the United Kingdom (MB) and the European Union (BE) held the first UK-EU summit in London. They agreed to a new strategic partnership, focusing on security, defence and development co-operation, putting citizens in the center of our relationship, strengthening our economies by protecting our planet and its resources, and advancing our mutual interests in the field of internal security, judicial co-operation and irregular migration.

It is no secret that reaching this point has been a major political challenge. The British people voted for Brex in 2016, but it is clear that this decision has had consequences on both sides of the United Kingdom and the EU. The British government has worked hard with European partners to find compromises, overcome differences and achieve acceptable solutions to very sensitive issues.

British Secretary of Foreign Affairs David Lami's visit to Kosovo in April once again stressed the warmth and strength of relations between the United Kingdom and Kosovo. The secretary recalled former Prime Minister Tony Blair's vision: that Kosovo will be able to determine its own future, live in peace with its neighbours and protect the rights of all citizens living here.

He also called for determination by Kosovo political leaders, across the entire political spectrum. Kosovo needs a new political emergency, to take the initiative and avoid the future being determined by the actions of others. As is happening with the new United Kingdom relationship, the EU encouraged Kosovo to offer pragmatism, rather than purple positions.

Several Western Balkan countries are marking good progress towards EU accession. If concrete steps towards peace are materialised in Ukraine, progress towards EU membership can also be accelerated. The UK would also like to see Kosovo in NATO when its forces and monitoring mechanisms meet relevant standards. In order to achieve these goals, Kosovo will need excellent active diplomacy, including making difficult decisions to achieve these two goals, new steps must be started in the normalisation process with Serbia.

Kosovo should be willing to advance its interests. We in the United Kingdom want Kosovo as part of the Council of Europe. Kosovo membership can be voted in any moment when Kosovo has done its hard work to convince member states that its impressive legal framework is supported by a real goal to protect non-US communities.

Last weeks' actions in northern Kosovo have denied ordinary children and citizens from the Serb community in Kosovo peaceful access to daily services, such as sports clubs. These actions undermine Kosovo's claim that all its citizens -- regardless of ethnicity, gender or belonging -- are welcome and free to be represented, protected and empowered in the Republic of Kosovo.

In autumn, the United Kingdom will be host to the Berlin Process Summit in London. This summit will unite leaders from across the region to advance common goals: economic growth, regional co-operation and progress towards European integration. The United Kingdom special envoy for the Western Balkans, Karen Pierce, is leading preparations for this important event, and we are working closely with Kosovo and other partners to ensure that this summit brings concrete results.

The Western Balkans is a region with great potential but also faces real challenges. Ethnic tensions are being sparked by divisive rhetoric and the actions of foreign actors. Criminal networks are exploiting instability to promote irregular migration. Corruption continues to undermine rule of law. While gender-based violence remains a serious and widespread violation of human rights. These challenges endanger peace and progress that many have worked hard for.

Kosovo has a key role in addressing these challenges and shaping the region's future. But to do that, it has to be politically prepared. This is a time for leadership. Kosovo citizens deserve a government that acts decisively in their interest, representing them in the international arena, and pushing ahead the reforms they need for Euro-Atlantic integration.

This week, Kosovo will welcome the EU's top representative, Mrs. Kaya Callas, and Special Representative, Mr. Peter Sorensen. The New United Kingdom Relationship - The EU means that both sides will work closer than ever before to support progress that brings real benefits to the citizens of Kosovo and Serbia.

At this crucial moment, Kosovo continues to be without parliament and without functional government. We call on Kosovo's political leadership to unite, form the new assembly and government as soon as possible, and focus on priorities that matter most to citizens: economic opportunities, social inclusion, and regional stability.

The author is the ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo. Writing was sent to the Journal Express for publication.