Costa: Tensions need to be reduced to lift EU measures against Kosovo

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, during a press conference with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, was asked by Telegrafi journalist, Jehona Hulaj, regarding the possibility of removing the European Union's measures against Kosovo.

Costa said that the measures are linked to the need to de-escalate tensions in the region, especially in northern Kosovo, and that he hopes that the situation will stabilize to enable their removal.

"These measures are linked to the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and in the north of the country. And what I want is that we have this de-escalation as soon as possible, and then we can move forward and lift these measures. I hope that the latest events do not represent a new trend, but are an exception that confirms the rule that you are fully committed to this European path to de-escalation and, as Madam President said yesterday, to engaging in this dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina," Costa declared.

He stressed that Kosovo's European future is closely linked to the normalization of relations with Serbia and commitment to the EU-facilitated dialogue.

"I hope that the recent events do not represent a new trend, but rather an exception that confirms that you are committed to de-escalating the situation and moving forward on the European path," he said.

Costa called the EU's expansion to the Western Balkans the European Union's "greatest geopolitical investment."

"It is a great opportunity for the Western Balkans and it is essential to continue with the reform agenda and reap its benefits. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is in the interest of the citizens and this process is vital for your journey towards the European Union," Costa stressed.

President Vjosa Osmani, for her part, stressed that Kosovo has met the EU's requirements for lifting the measures.

"Our citizens are without a doubt the most pro-European in the entire region and our entire continent. And if European integration is a path that requires trust, commitment and patience, then it is time for this to be reflected beyond words and with concrete steps regarding the integration of our country into the EU. We expect that under your leadership we will take these steps forward and that under your leadership Kosovo's path towards the EU will finally be opened."

"In order for this to happen, of course, we hope and believe that member states will finally agree to lift the unfair measures against Kosovo, which harm the interests of our citizens and key projects related to European integration itself. This summer marks two years since the measures were imposed. Every minute more with the measures in force is a minute more injustice and a minute more away from realizing the European dream of our citizens," said Osmani. /Telegrafi/