European Council President Antonio Costa’s message that all Western Balkan countries have a future in the European Union has once again brought the region’s integration process into focus. For Kosovo, the statement raises the question of when political support might be followed by concrete steps.
Enlargement remains one of the main issues on the European political agenda, but Western Balkan countries still face challenges on the path to membership. In Kosovo’s case, political obstacles complicate the process alongside the need for reforms and compliance with European criteria.
Të lidhura
None found
The rule of law, democratic institutions and the fight against corruption are among the areas where progress is needed. Another difficulty is the refusal of five EU member states to recognize Kosovo’s independence, which makes it harder to reach consensus within the Union and affects the pace of integration.
It remains unclear whether Costa’s statement will be accompanied by a clearer institutional approach to Kosovo. The pace of enlargement will also depend on political developments in member states, their willingness to overcome differences and the readiness of European institutions to offer the country a more concrete and credible prospect. Domestic reforms are equally important on this path.
Lushaj calls for concrete action on Kosovo
Adem Lushaj sees Costa’s statement as a positive signal reaffirming Kosovo’s European prospects. Speaking to “Bota sot,” he says the significance of this message must be demonstrated through action, rather than remaining at the level of political statements.
According to Lushaj, Kosovo must accelerate reforms to strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption and reinforce democratic institutions. At the same time, he calls on the EU to show the political will to treat Kosovo as an integral part of Europe’s future.
He describes the lack of recognition by five EU member states as a serious political obstacle, but believes it should not determine the country’s future indefinitely. For this reason, he says, the Union should find ways to prevent internal disagreements from blocking Kosovo’s progress. Lushaj stresses that integration should be based on criteria, reforms and concrete results, rather than being held hostage by differing political positions.
He wants Kosovo’s European prospects to take the form of a process with clear steps and timelines. Kosovo applied for EU membership in December 2022, Lushaj notes, but has still not received candidate status. For him, this illustrates the gap between statements and action.
Lushaj sees responsibility on both sides: Kosovo’s institutions must carry out reforms and meet their obligations, while the EU must present a road map with measurable steps and indicative timelines. He emphasizes that Kosovo is not seeking privileges, but fair and equal treatment, and that it has consistently demonstrated its commitment to joining the European Union.
In his view, a democratic, stable and integrated Kosovo benefits both its citizens and peace and security across Europe. Lushaj concludes that it is time to turn the political promise of Kosovo’s European future into a concrete integration process.
Bexheti: Recognition could be resolved as part of a common European package
Analyst Nexhat Bexheti considers Costa’s statement an important message for the region, but notes that EU membership depends on reforms and meeting the requirements of European institutions. Speaking to “Bota sot,” he says Western Balkan countries have yet to fully grasp the Union’s principles, rules and standards for meeting the prerequisites for membership.
According to Bexheti, the region’s most difficult challenges include completing the transition, fighting financial corruption within governments, improving democracy and strengthening the rule of law. He believes Kosovo has made more progress than other Western Balkan countries in meeting these conditions.
With further reforms, the analyst says, Kosovo could move more quickly toward the EU and even join before Serbia. In his view, this would avoid the possibility of Serbia becoming an obstacle to Kosovo’s integration, as Bulgaria has done by imposing conditions on North Macedonia. Bexheti urges Kosovo’s institutions to take the necessary changes and the alignment of legislation with European requirements seriously.
Unlike those who view the lack of recognition by five EU members as a serious obstacle, Bexheti believes it should not prevent Kosovo from joining. In his view, recognition could be achieved as part of a common European package, opening a concrete path for the country toward the EU.
The analyst also points to elements of Kosovo’s institutional system that, he says, have been built on European experience since the period of UNMIK administration. During that period, laws and rules were introduced in taxation, customs and other areas of public services. He says some of these systems and practices are still in use, including civil documentation, the format of identity documents and the euro in payment transactions.
According to Bexheti, these elements make it easier for institutions to align with European standards. He adds that Kosovo’s European orientation faces no major political obstacles within the country, since all political parties have included NATO and EU membership in their platforms.
Regarding NATO, Bexheti emphasizes strengthening Kosovo’s defense capabilities and securing the support of the United States of America and the Euro-Atlantic alliance. He believes the country should aim to join NATO first and then the EU, while also meeting the security and defense criteria associated with this strategic orientation.
Bexheti remains optimistic about Kosovo’s European future. He links a faster process to the commitment of its institutions and the continuation of reforms, saying that, with the government’s engagement, Kosovo could achieve EU membership quickly.
