Kosovo towards a new moment with the EU, Orav: Measure Chapter completed

Orav in a conversation with journalists has stressed that there is already readiness on the part of the EU to advance with concrete projects and programmes, while also mentioning the creation of a new moment of co-operation, separately after the Foreign Law agreement, where some concessions were made to local Serbs in Kosovo.

According to him, one of the main obstacles to the removal of measures has been the need for full consensus among EU member states, which has extended the process. However, he has praised Kosovo's foreign policy compliance with that of the EU, especially in relation to sanctions.

Orav: already closed chapter measures

And now we have to start moving forward. In fact, there are positive developments that have taken place even during this half year. We in the European Union are ready to engage, move forward, and very much hope that the president or president will soon be elected. At least we'll have an explanation of what happens. But this chapter of the punitive measures is behind us and we are willing to engage in new programmes and projects with Kosovo as soon as possible. The problem has been that we had to have consensus on all member states, and that took some time. I deeply appreciate what Kosovo does in the field of foreign policy and that harmonises its policy with the European Union in sanctions, in foreign policy and issues related to it. And now I strongly believe that we can move forward together, look towards the future, and very much hope that this confusion or political confusion will be clarified very soon and you will have a very good partner in this process”, he said, Kosovo, broadcast Periscope.

No movement in candidate status application

Speaking of Kosovo's application for membership in the European Union, Orav has indicated that it has not yet been reviewed, precisely because of the previous context of punitive measures.

He has stressed that recent developments, including the 14 March agreement, could create new political momentum within member states.

No movement in candidate status application

“Application for Kosovo's membership in the European Union has not been addressed in the process. One of the reasons has been that on the one hand if there are punitive measures against Kosovo, on the other hand it is difficult for European Union member states to start the process on something. Now, when we can say that these measures are behind us, we hope there will be new dynamics. I cannot speak here on behalf of all member states, but now this 14 March agreement certainly gives inspiration to many member states on how to address this issue in the near future”, he added.

EU seeks justice for Banjska

As far as the 2023 terrorist attack in Banjska is concerned, he has reiterated the EU's stance that those responsible, including Milan Radojiciqi and others, must be brought to justice.

Orav has stressed that the EU will continue supporting Kosovo, both in financial and reforming processes, which it described as key to approaching European standards.

The European Union has made clear, the leaders must be brought to justice. It's not just words, it has to be done. And one day it will happen. Now, frustration with the European Union, we have heard this in many other countries. The European Union is here, the European Union will continue to remain here as long as you are in the European Union. We're working together, we're helping you and your people as much as we can. We do this financially. Still, in our communication we say that millions and millions enter here, but that money is necessary to make reforms, to improve the country, to make it acceptable to the European Union”, he said.

Dialogue without Alternatives

In the context of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, the European Union ambassador has stressed that communication remains necessary.

He also mentioned Kaya Kallas's mediation, underlining that refusing to participate in meetings by leaders would be meaningless, referring to Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq

According to Orav, high-level meetings should be well prepared and target concrete results so that the dialogue process can produce real advancements.

Of course, this has to happen, and for me it's very hard to imagine that Kaya Kallas would invite President Vuciq and Prime Minister Kurti to meet somewhere in the process and then the answer would be no, sorry, I won't come to that meeting by any of them. Because if we don't talk to each other, it's impossible to solve any problems. I fully understand the problems you mentioned about the attack on Banjska, about the lack of signing the agreement, but these issues can be discussed. If no arguments are made and preconditions are made, nothing is achieved. This March 14 set a fine example. We have also heard of setting conditions that this must be done first, but the agreement was reached. So far it has not been possible to have any high-level meetings. Summits are not just meetings, but should be well prepared by diplomats. We hope that such a meeting will be successful and open new processes for progress. This 14 March agreement has not been a dialogue agreement in the classic sense, but shows that if there is good will, it is possible to move forward. Taking into account the hope of Kosovo's citizens to join the European Union, bold steps are needed to move forward”, he stressed. /Periscope