Kosovo should receive candidate country status for European Union membership as soon as possible, said Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
After meeting with the Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, he stated that a priority for his newly elected government is to accelerate the reform agenda for integration into the European Union.
Kurti also mentioned the ratification of the EU Growth Plan, under which Kosovo is expected to receive over €800 million.
“I thanked Ambassador Orav, the Head of the European Union Mission in our country, for his congratulations on the constituting of the 10th legislature of the Assembly and the formation of the government, as well as for the approval of the European Union Growth Plan, which has a total value of €882.6 million for our republic. Of this, about 30 percent are grants, while over 70 percent are loans. I also reiterated the commitments of the Republic of Kosovo that our state will always be a reliable and serious partner to the European Union. We consider the EU to be an organization of peace and security, where we aim both to contribute and to benefit. For this, it is necessary that we receive candidate country status and the questionnaire from the European Commission as soon as possible, which will help us accelerate the reform agenda, which will undoubtedly be a priority for our government,” he said.
On the other hand, Ambassador Orav said he is pleased with the formation of institutions in Kosovo, as it is important for the EU to have a stable partner in Kosovo.
According to him, the political crisis last year tested the limits of the Constitution.
“We all know that last year tested the limits of the Constitution. It took some time, but I believe it is now possible to move forward in the right direction; it is important from the European side to have a partner, a stable government. I am also glad that the agreements related to the Growth Plan were approved so quickly in the Assembly, and now the EU enlargement process continues. I hope that with Kosovo we can turn the page and continue toward a shared future,” he added.
Kurti received a vote of confidence on February 11 in the Assembly of Kosovo, following the constitution of the tenth legislature.
