Kalla's messages in Pristina, Belgrade and Skopje: The political climate for enlargement is now, exploit it

“Yes, this process has been going on for a long time, but there is always a political moment and this political moment is exactly now united Europe is a vision for which we all have to work”, Kallas said at her media conference in Belgrade on May 22nd, Express writes.

The EU diplomatic chief's visit to Belgrade occurred after Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq's visit to Moscow.

For this reason, Kallas S dreamered to mention the differences Serbia has with the EU.

“Sic expected, views are very Divergent, but we had a good exchange for issues including Serbia's EU accession, internal reforms and continued dialogue with Pristina”, she said, as long as she commented on Vuciki's visit to Moscow.

I really don't understand why it's necessary to stand side by side with the person who is waging this terrible war in Ukraine”.

Kallas also mentioned to Serbia the tasks if it wants EU membership.

“Reforms are the way Serbia will progress on its path to the EU. There is no short road to membership. Real progress must be made here in Belgrade, and the next steps are very clear. They include media freedom, the fight against corruption, electoral reforms”.

The High Representative announced that at her meetings with Serbian leaders, “also talked about Serbia's relations with its closest neighbour”, while warning movement in the stalled Kosovo-Serbia dialogue process.

The implementation of relations with Kosovo is not only improved relations. It is essential for Serbia's European future. It's time to overcome the past and focus on the common future. I plan to invite representatives from Belgrade and Pristina to Brussels as soon as possible to discuss concrete steps ahead of”.

Kallas said the Serbian president has also stressed the importance of stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I also addressed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I stressed to President Vuciq and other leaders the importance of leadership and Serbia's constructive role in supporting the country's stability”.

This depends on the future of the region”, Kallas said in Belgrade.

In the second part of the day, in Pristina Kallas reaffirmed that the Western Balkans have a strategic importance for the European Union.

The EU enlargement in this region is our most important geopolitical project and is also a personal priority for me”, the Estonian diplomat said.

A sentence that could not say in Belgrade, Kallas said in Pristina.

“It is good that EU membership is supported by the majority of people in Kosovo and in a broad political spectrum”, she said, adding that Kosovo belongs to the European family, but also here, and reiterated that there are no shortcuts to EU membership.

“Progress can only be achieved through sustainable reforms”.

Before mentioning reports with Serbia, Kallas noted the importance of Kosovo having institutions as soon as possible to benefit from the Growth Plan a financial package designed for the six Western Balkan countries.

The European Union's growth plan for the Western Balkans is a great opportunity for gradual integration into a single European Union market, which is bringing prosperity to people. So Kosovo was the first to present an agenda of reforms and is well placed to take advantage of the Development Plan. And of course, for that to happen, Kosovo needs functional institutions that can effectively implement reforms. Therefore, I encourage all parties to break the political stalemate and quickly form a government so that Kosovo can also benefit from our support”.

Kallas said he also came to Pristina to hear and better understand the security situation in Kosovo and the region.

The key priorities remain the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. You're equal partners on the table. As the European Union and as High Representative, I will continue to support this process. And for those who still doubt the process, let me be clear: normalising your relations is the only way to a safer and more prosperous future for the people of this region. Stability depends on dialogue, not on confrontation”.

Kallas also brought with him the EU's decision to gradually lift measures at the cost of deployment to the north.

“As a sign of our commitment, I can announce that the EU has gradually begun to lift the measures presented in June 2023. The decision opens the door for greater opportunities for Kosovo's development and also closer ties with Europe. But it's conditioned by continued de-tradition in the north”.

She said that the closure of Serbia-backed structures in the north undermines efforts towards de- escalation.

Kosovo has made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions in recent years and our EULEX mission continues to support the rule of law in Kosovo. But again, the current political framework and deadlock are holding Kosovo back”.

Kallas reiterated that the formation of parliament and the new government is key to Kosovo's stability, growth and European future.

“I encourage all political actors, in [all] the political spectrum, that really work with each other and with communities represented in Kosovo. The European Union is willing to support you, but political leaders must set aside divisions and give priority to Kosovo's future”, she said at the end of the speech at the conference in Pristina.

Unlike what he did in Belgrade and Pristina, Kallas in Skopje held the media conference with Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Hristian Mickoski.

Also, Kallas in Skopje where he first went had more praise to make for the country's progress towards the EU.

The European Union stands firm with Northern Macedonia on your way to the European Union. Northern Macedonia is the first beneficiary of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in the region. You were just describing how good your economy is going, I think we benefit from this. And [you are] the first country in the region to sign a Partnership for Security and Defence with the European Union”.

This partnership, Kallas said, promotes joint work for Ukraine, hybrid threats and counterterrorism, as well as shows that gradual integration is functioning in practice, but both sides want more, that is very clear.

North Macedonia's “belongs to the European Union. You have a strong history of sharing with Common European Security and Foreign Policy. This is very important for us, especially in these very turbulent times that we see major geopolitical changes taking place in the world”.

Also, Kallas noted the role of Northern Macedonia for regional stability.

Your contribution to EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a clear example that you are a reliable partner for regional security. I congratulate your strong efforts made by Northern Macedonia and your government on your reform agenda”.

You know better than anyone who the road to membership is not easy, so my message today is to stay on track and take the next necessary steps towards opening negotiations. It will also mean that the European Union will give North Macedonia even more support, whether it is strengthening rule of law, fighting corruption, or modernising the public administration of Northern Macedonia”.

Here Callas also cited the example of Albania and Montenegro.

We know from experience that progress can be rapid if there is political will. Albania and Montenegro are good examples for this”.

“We believe that the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is the best recipe for peace and security, even throughout the region”.

So let's move forward together, and I assure you that the European Union stands close to you”, Callas concluded in Skopje. /Periscope.