Haddad: France Will Support Kosovo in International Organizations Under Any Circumstances

Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister Delegate for Europe, said that Paris will support Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, regardless of the circumstances.

At a press conference with acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca, Haddad said that today’s developments demonstrate the strengthening of relations between the two countries and create opportunities for even closer cooperation in every field.

He mentioned the support provided by the French Development Agency, the expansion of Francophonie in Kosovo through support for French-language teaching in schools, as well as agreements aimed at broadening cooperation in security and defense.

Haddad expressed hope that his visit to Kosovo would be followed by delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. According to him, these visits would serve to explore concrete forms of cooperation in security, the organization of the Mediterranean Games and, more broadly, trade and investment relations.

“This is something we will support and accelerate, regardless of the circumstances. As I mentioned, we support Kosovo’s integration into international institutions. This is part of our broader project to reunify Europe. I say ‘reunification’ because I do not particularly like the term ‘enlargement.’ I believe this is really about uniting our continent,” Haddad said.

However, the French official stressed that this is a demanding process based on international commitments. In Kosovo’s case, he said the process is also linked to progress in fulfilling the obligations arising from the Brussels Agreement, an issue that was discussed during the meeting.

According to Haddad, the process is also guided by the principle of merit. This includes implementing reforms, aligning with the acquis communautaire, namely European Union legislation, strengthening the rule of law and guaranteeing minority rights. He emphasized that France will be highly demanding in these areas.

Haddad assured that France will stand by Kosovo at every stage of its European journey and will work with it to realize ambitions and objectives that he described as entirely legitimate and achievable.

“We will stand by Kosovo at every step of this journey, working together to make these entirely legitimate and achievable ambitions and objectives a reality. Once again, not only because we have stood by Kosovo and supported it from day one, but also because we believe this is the path toward peace and stability on our continent,” Haddad said.