Strasbourg, France, 15 March, 2023
The two-day stay in Strasbourg, France, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, began with a meeting with MEPs of the Group of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, Lukas Mandl from Austria, Michael Gahler, Rainer Wieland and Niklas Herbst from Germany. Karlo Ressler from Croatia, Franc Bogovic from Slovenia, Vladimir Bilcik from Slovakia. The EPP constitutes the largest political group in the European Parliament.
Together with the ambassador of Kosovo in Brussels, Agron Bajrami, Prime Minister Kurti informed the European deputies about the latest developments in the country, the main achievements of the government, which next week turns two years old, the successes in the rule of law and the fight against corruption, and about improvements in democratic and economic indicators, also evidenced in international reports. Recently, according to the International Monetary Fund, Kosovo has been ranked first in the Western Balkans with the largest increase in tax revenues between the years 2020-2022, evidence of the formalization of the economy, the collection of debts and the willingness of citizens and businesses to pay taxes. As it has risen for 20 countries in the last two years in the corruption perception index according to Transparency International.
The meeting also discussed Kosovo’s application to the European Union, in December of last year, and the application to the Council of Europe, in May of last year, two organizations with which the state and the people of Kosovo share goals, share values and beliefs. Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the importance of the European Parliament’s support in handling Kosovo’s applications as quickly as possible and support along the entire integration journey. They also talked about the March 18 meeting in Ohrid, the opportunities it presents and the expectations from that meeting.
MEPs gave their positive assessment and expressed full support for government reforms, democratic progress, the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
Prime Minister Kurti is staying in Strasbourg to participate in the 10th meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for the Stabilization-Association agreement with the EU.
Also present at this meeting were deputies of the Parliamentary Group of the VETËVENDOSJE! Movement, Mimoza Kusari Lila, Fitore Pacolli Dalipi, Jeta Statovci, and Armend Muja.
Last modified: March 15, 2023