Brussels, 19 November 2025
The Acting First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, participated in the informal EU–Western Balkans ministerial dinner.
He thanked the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, for the invitation, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister also had the opportunity to address those present.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the risks that security threats and ongoing hybrid attacks pose to democracy and development, as well as the importance of unity in confronting them.
He went on to congratulate Albania and Montenegro on the advancement of their EU integration path and the opening of chapters toward EU membership, as well as Ukraine and Moldova for their commitment to European Union integration. He added that Kosovo has supported and continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Regarding progress in our country, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that despite the barriers we have faced, we have managed to achieve advancements in many areas. He highlighted the strong convergence toward the EU’s average income, the reduction of unemployment from 23.8% to 10.9%, child and maternity allowances, progress in implementing reforms toward EU integration, full alignment of foreign policy with the EU, effective migration management following visa liberalization, and positive indicators in combating corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Kosovo deserves to obtain candidate status and to join the Council of Europe, while our country enjoys strong public support for integration.
He also highlighted the risks posed by malign interference from elements that view the region as a space for destabilization and for diverting attention away from the war in Ukraine, while Kosovo’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are continuously challenged and attacked by our northern neighbor—both through written submissions deposited in the EU and through on-the-ground terrorist acts sponsored by official Belgrade.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded his remarks by stating that the current geopolitical moment underscores the need for and importance of European security and enlargement. In this context, granting Kosovo candidate-country status and achieving consensus within EU decision-making represents a key step in this process and a powerful message of unity.
