The first Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, participated in the “Regional Conference of Norwegian Missions in Southeast Europe”.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi said that Kosovo is oriented towards a comprehensive development. The European agenda for this year is ambitious, where we mark an important year after the application for membership in the Council of Europe and the aim of applying for membership in the EU within this year. Visa liberalization is an issue that is being treated with priority and work is being done to have positive developments and new dynamics in this matter, for which Kosovo has fulfilled all the criteria and is working closely with EU member states.
Also, during this year , the greatest and most important progress has been made in the implementation of reforms in key areas within the European agenda, when we are already in the sixth year of the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement.
Kosovo is ready for new challenges, further steps and more advanced status in its journey towards the European Union.
The progress that Kosovo has known has shown our potential for a wider extension of our development trajectory, beyond the existing barriers. The country has increased by 17 positions in the index of Transparency International and also 17 places in the index of freedom of the media, World Freedom. Meanwhile, according to the World Justice Project, for the assessment of the rule of law, Kosovo is the 60th in the world and the first among the six countries of the Western Balkans.
It was also emphasized that our country is facing common challenges with other countries of the EU and the European continent, such as the energy crisis, as an effect created by unjustified Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The government has taken measures to alleviate the energy crisis, where a total of over 100 million euros have been allocated throughout the year for electricity subsidies with the aim of reducing the impact of tariff increases on consumers, as well as recently 6 million euros for the implementation of measures on energy efficiency.
As for the dialogue with Serbia, it was particularly emphasized that Kosovo is an active and constructive party, committed to reaching a permanent, legally binding agreement centered on mutual recognition.
Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi thanked the Ambassador of Norway in Kosovo, Jens Erik Grøndahl, as well as the representatives from the Norwegian Missions in Southeast Europe for the hospitality and the fruitful discussion held within the conference.
Last modified: September 28, 2022