Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, today received the President of the European Council, António Costa, as part of his visit to the Western Balkans and ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, which will be held in Tivat.

According to a statement, Acting President Haxhiu thanked Costa for visiting Kosovo and for the European Council’s continued attention to the region. She stressed that for the Republic of Kosovo, membership in the European Union remains a strategic orientation, a political choice of its citizens, and a long-term state interest, reports KosovaPress.

“Acting President Haxhiu underlined that Kosovo remains one of the most pro-European societies in the region. For its citizens, the European Union represents a community of democracy, rule of law, peace, and dignity. At a time of harmful influences in the region, Kosovo’s clear and deeply rooted European orientation should be seen as an asset for the European Union itself,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the meeting focused on Kosovo’s European path, the need to advance the integration process, and the importance of implementing reforms related to the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Haxhiu emphasized that Kosovo views the Plan as a concrete opportunity for economic development, closer integration with the European common market, and direct benefits for citizens.

“President Costa stressed that issues related to European Union integration and the implementation of the Growth Plan require cross-party agreement and national consensus in Kosovo, beyond political and party differences. In this spirit, Acting President Haxhiu emphasized that Kosovo remains committed to advancing the European agenda through reforms, institutional coordination, and close cooperation with the European Union. She added that Kosovo has demonstrated its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and cooperation with the European Union,” the statement said.

The meeting also addressed developments in the region, the importance of security and stability, and the need for the European perspective of the Western Balkans to be accompanied by concrete, fair, and equal steps for all countries that implement reforms and uphold European values.

Acting President Haxhiu reiterated that the Republic of Kosovo remains committed to close relations with the European Union and to an integration process that values merit, fulfillment of criteria, and Kosovo’s progress.

Earlier in the day, Costa also met with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti.