Prishtina, 17 November, 2023
The first Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, participated in the inter-parliamentary table organized by the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Assembly of Kosovo, where the Committees for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Assemblies of Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Bulgaria.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi said that “European Union and democratic values are our strategic orientation, therefore, European Integration is not a goal in itself. It is a transformative journey for us, which means our commitment to shared values, democracy and a prosperous future for all our citizens.”
He emphasized Kosovo’s commitment to fulfilling the criteria and achieving EU standards: “EU membership requires not only the achievement of European standards, but also the genuine embrace of democratic principles, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Kosovo already has a formal agreement with the EU for 7 years and implements the SAA through annual plans, while the European Reforms Agenda is our priority in many areas”.
“Our commitment to reforms is non-negotiable, it is a promise we made to our citizens for an efficient and responsible government, a strong judiciary and a favorable environment for economic activity. The country’s report for this year, among other things, recognizes the progress achieved in economic growth, competitiveness, reduction of the unemployment rate, increase in foreign direct investments and that of 88% on an annual basis, reduction of public debt, progress in management of public projects, increase in export and the degree of openness of the economy, improvement of the business environment, digital transformation of the economy, as well as significant progress in the field of energy.” said among other things.
Regarding the situation in the region, he added that: “Our region is facing destabilizing attempts, most likely directed by Russia, but the main actors are from the region itself. Kosovo has faced several times this year, also in the months of May and June, and most recently on September 24, with scenarios that have only one goal, the destabilization, not only of Kosovo but also of the entire region.”
Furthermore, he spoke about the importance of the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, the country’s support for the “Growth Plan” and Kosovo’s commitment to regional cooperation.
“The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is more than just a bureaucratic process: it is a return to the origins, it is a reconstruction of the culture and values of peace and stability and a vision for the common future of our peoples.” Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi finished his speech.
The complete speech of Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi:
Honorable Vice President of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Bogujevci,
Dear Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Gërvalla-Schwarz,
Dear chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, members of the parliamentary commissions of Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Bulgaria,
Today’s joint meeting is powerful evidence of the necessary cooperation between our countries, based on democracy and security, in the orientation of European and Western values. The European Union and democratic values are our strategic orientation, therefore, European Integration is not a goal in itself. It is a transformative journey for us, which means our commitment to common values, democracy and a prosperous future for all our citizens.
Our commitment to meeting the criteria set by the European Union is unwavering. We should see these criteria not necessarily as obstacles, but as guides for a more democratic, more stable, more transparent and anyway more developed region. EU enlargement is not just geographical expansion, but achieving it by fostering a community bound by shared values and a shared vision about our future.
As long as we are on this path, it is important to recognize the challenges and opportunities that it presents to us. Membership in the EU requires not only the achievement of European standards, but also the genuine embrace of democratic principles, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Kosovo already has a formal agreement with the EU for 7 years and implements the SAA through annual plans, while the European Reform Agenda is our priority in many areas: good governance and rule of law, competitiveness, investment climate and stability, employment, education and health. All our administrative capacities have been put to the service of coordinating and implementing these reforms and commitments that arise from the mechanisms in the implementation of the SAA. In this context, our journey towards the European Union is a proof of our stability and determination to join the EU.
The geopolitical context in which Kosovo is located requires strategic positioning. Our region is facing destabilizing attempts, most likely directed by Russia, but the main actors are from the region itself. Kosovo has faced several times this year, also in the months of May and June, and most recently on September 24, with scenarios that have only one goal, the destabilization of not only Kosovo but also the entire region.
We operate in an environment where alliances matter and global dynamics shape reality. Therefore, Kosovo’s position in the region is not only related to the national interest, but also to the contribution we can make to the peace, security and development of the entire Western Balkans. We are required to engage with the international community with a clear vision, seeking partnerships that match our values and contribute to our strategic interests, while at the same time, we must take care that internal reforms accompany this dynamic.
In reaching European standards, we are ready to address all structural and systemic challenges. Our commitment to reforms is non-negotiable, it is a promise we have made to our citizens for an efficient and responsible government, a strong judiciary and a favorable environment for economic activity. The country’s report for this year, among other things, recognizes the progress achieved in economic growth, competitiveness, reduction of the unemployment rate, increase in foreign direct investments and that of 88% on an annual basis, reduction of public debt, progress in management of public projects, increase in exports and the degree of openness of the economy, improvement of the business environment, digital transformation of the economy, as well as significant progress in the field of energy.
Moreover, in the segment of political criteria, we have achieved reforms in the electoral system, in the smooth running of the Assembly, in the work of the Assembly, in public administration, in the fight against corruption, in the justice system, in the prosecution, in the protection of privacy, as well as in the gender equality agenda. Civil society is among the most active in the region and actively participates in the design, monitoring and implementation of public policies.
We are even more committed when it comes to regional cooperation, because we see this as a key pillar for the stability and prosperity of the entire region. In a time of ever-increasing interconnectedness, isolation is not an option. By collectively overcoming challenges that transcend national borders, we can pave the way for a more integrated Balkan region. We as institutions have the responsibility to build a common future, which is why we have participated in almost all regional initiatives. The signing of three agreements last year within the Berlin Process constitutes the important fact that Kosovo is the first country to ratify them and shows our commitment to regional cooperation.
The enlargement package published last week brings back hope that EU enlargement is back in the spotlight after a decade of silence and stagnation. We support the “Growth Plan” for the Western Balkans, as we see it as a step in the right direction. The EU needs to be reformed and enlarged. I also believe that the benefits of the EU Single Market should also be linked with economic and democratic reforms. There should be no beneficiaries of EU funds without embracing EU values. Together, we must continue to work towards increasing the stability of the region, while meetings like this one today provide opportunities to let’s share experiences and not repeat our mistakes, since you are in the most advanced stages of the process, Kosovo can benefit a lot by avoiding eventual mistakes.
In conclusion, as we are in a new era for the Western Balkans, envisioning a future of greater prosperity and shared unity within the European Union, let us take inspiration from the collective spirit that has brought us today on this path as one good start The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is more than just a bureaucratic process: it is a return to the origins, it is a reconstruction of the culture and values of peace and stability and a vision for the common future of our peoples.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Last modified: November 17, 2023