The Acting Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova, said that Kosovo cannot automatically obtain European Union candidate status. At an event marking Europe Day, she stated that Kosovo must convince all 27 EU member states. “I know, Prime Minister, that you want the EU to move forward with the membership application you submitted during the Czech Presidency in Prague. We are here to help you achieve this next goal. But let me be honest: Brussels cannot simply grant candidate status. You need to convince the 27 member states. And for this, three key elements matter. Kosovo is and must remain a vibrant democracy. The parliamentary elections taking place exactly one month from today must once again be free, fair, and inclusive,” she said.