Ireland large supporter of the EU enlargement and the Kosovo`s European perspective

Minister Çitaku stated that: “I am extremely happy that during the presidency of Ireland, the European perspective of Kosovo has taken concrete shape and form after the publication of the feasibility study for Kosovo, last year we were given a short set of criteria that we had to accomplish in Kosovo in order to start negotiating a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Thanks to the internal political consensus and institutional willingness, we have managed to accomplish those criteria in a record time and it is highly evaluated by the EC, certainly unavoidable and inherent to this process is the process of normalization of relations with Serbia. Dialogue with Serbia has served as a catalyst to fulfil Kosovo’s European agenda, because we believe that due to its complexity within the EU structures itself towards Kosovo, normalization of relations with Serbia has served to the EU to develop a more consistently consistent policy towards Kosovo. We believe that by the end of this month not only Kosovo but the whole region will get positive news, I assured the Minister that Kosovo will produce enough arguments for Ireland and other friends in the European Union that we are able to move forward the European agenda, we will fulfil every obligation that we have also the dialogue with Serbia as we have done so far and we believe that the same thing will be done by our north neighbours.

In addition, Minister Creighton said: “Ireland has already made clear its stance for being a great supporter of the EU enlargement and strong supporter of the European perspective of Kosovo. One of the earlier priorities during the six month mandate of EU presidency has been to achieve concrete progress will candidate and potential countries.  In December of last year the Council’s conclusion were very clear when it was required from Kosovo to fulfill short term criteria so EU could be able to take a positive decision in order to enable Kosovo beginning of the negotiations for the SAA.  The Council required from Kosovo to continue sustainable advancement of improving relation with Serbia, and to simultaneously speed the pace of undertaking internal reforms. In this direction, I highly appreciate Prime Minister’s Thaçi personal commitment as well as all relevant institutions and Kosovo society towards their contribution regarding normalization of the reports with Serbia through the dialogue.

Minister Çitaku thanked Minister Creighton for the support given to Kosovo by the Ireland government during the EU presidency.