Kotor, 16 May, 2024
At the Summit of the leaders of the Western Balkans and the European Union that is being held in Kotor, Montenegro, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was also part of the first discussion panel, with the topic “Current situation and future plans – Plan young growth”.
In his initial address, he said that while the path to EU membership is being discussed, Kosovo’s progress must be recognized and accepted. He reiterated the importance of linking funds and financing from the EU with respect for EU values.
From this summit, through his speech, the prime minister called on the EU to monitor progress in the Western Balkans in terms of democratic progress and EU reforms, and then base its policies on that data.
Speaking about the progress that Kosovo has made in the Growth Plan reform agenda, he said our country is close to fulfilling this agenda, which consists of five policy areas with 32 reforms in 17 sectors.
The Prime Minister welcomed the adoption of the Reform and Growth Plan by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, describing it as a new chapter that should be guided by meritocracy and values. It also welcomed the work on the New Regional Common Market Action Plan 2025-2028 and the aim to adopt it at this year’s Berlin Process Summit.
At the end of his speech, the prime minister said that good neighborly relations with de facto and de jure recognition are important for peace, security and integration, as he once again asked Serbia to hand over Milan Radoijqi and his group to Kosovo responsible for the murder of the sergeant of the Kosovo Police, Afrim Bunjaku, on September 24 of last year.
In the end, he called for the Western Balkan region to become part of the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority – “EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority” (AMLA), in order to increase financial integrity and cooperation in the fight against financial crimes. As for CEFTA, he emphasized that equal representation and treatment should be ensured for all six countries of the Western Balkans.
Prime Minister Kurti’s speech in English:
Dear Prime Minister Milojko SPAJIĆ,
Dear Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Mr. Koopman,
Dear Mr.Varhelyi,
Mr. Obrien
Colleagues from the region,
Thank you for convening this meeting to continue the discussion on the “EU Growth Plan”. We have entered the third year since Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. This war has brought devastation upon Ukraine, heightened threats and insecurity across Europe, and emboldened autocratic regimes that pose a direct challenge to democracy and the fundamental values of the European Union.
This week IRI (International Republican Institute) survey unveiled encouraging progress in democracy and human rights in my country Republic of Kosova, coupled with a steadfast trust in pro-European and Western orientation among our citizens. In an era marked by rampant disinformation and the rise of autocratic forces, Kosova’s resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic values serve as a beacon of hope. It underscores the enduring belief of our citizens in the principles upheld by the European Union.
As we gather here to discuss our path towards EU membership, Kosova’s progress must be acknowledged. What is imperative is a race-to-the-top, an approach that links EU funding to adherence to the EU values. This is the most effective strategy to foster leadership in the Western Balkans aligned with such objectives.
If the European Union unequivocally supports countries making genuine strides in democracy, and political pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law, then it will be citizens themselves that will drive change by replacing obstructive political elites, whatever they are, whenever they occur.
So, if there’s one message I wish to convey to the EU from Kotor, it is this: check the progress regarding democratic progress and EU reforms in the region and then base policies on those data.
Now, let me address the progress made with the Growth Plan reform agenda. For Kosova, the EU Growth Plan represents an opportunity to further our integration into the Single Market and EU mechanisms while expediting reforms related to democratization, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. The accomplishment of the Reform Agenda, comprising of five policy areas with 32 reforms across 17 sectors is nearly complete.
We applaud the adoption of the Reform and Growth Plan by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. This marks a new chapter, one that must be guided by meritocracy and values.
We also welcome the work on the new Common Regional Market Action Plan for 2025-2028 and the ambition to adopt it in this year’s Berlin Process Summit. This must be an ambitious plan which integrates our region and connect it with the EU internal market.
Furthermore, we support the RCC’s suggestion to incorporate an additional block on economic security into the New Action Plan for the Common Regional Market. Given that the Common Regional Market works based on EU rules and standards, aligning it with the EU’s economic security policy is both logical and advantageous, enhancing our region’s appeal to European Union companies.
Good neighbourly relations in our region with mutual de facto and de jure recognitions are necessary for peace, security and integration.
Fast green lanes makes sense without little green man, that’s why I ask from Serbia to handle Millan Radoicic to Kosova and also his paramilitary group who killed our sergeant, Afrim Bunjaku on 24th of September last year.
Finally, to enhance financial integrity and strengthen cooperation in combating financial crime, our region would benefit from being part of the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), of the European Union. Regarding CEFTA, we must ensure equal representation and equal treatment of all Western Balkan Six.
Thank you.
Last modified: May 16, 2024