Minister Çitaku met Commissioner for Enlargement Mr. Stefan Füle

During the meeting with Commissioner Füle, Minister Çitaku and Deputy Prime Minister Kusari – Lila informed Commissioner Füle on the recent political developments in Kosovo and achieved progress in the field of European integration. Interlocutors had a constructive discussion about the progress in meeting short term criteria in the four areas identified by the Feasibility Study for the beginning of the negotiation on Stabilization and Association Agreement and recommendation of the members states to begin SAA dialogue.

Minister Çitaku said: “This is very good news for Kosovo and we are very optimistic that the decision of the member’s states for beginning of SAA negotiations in June of this year will be a positive one. This fulfils an old promise, a promise for a European perspective for Kosovo and all its citizens. However, we know that this is only a beginning and that a lot remains to be done and we need reforms, but seeing our preparedness and performance to fulfil short term criteria in the last months, I remain extremely optimistic, nevertheless, once again I want to emphasize that I am happy as Minister of the European Integration now that we can focus our energies in the implementation of the reforms” ended, Minister, Çitaku.

Commissioner Füle underlined importance of agreement reaching between Republic of Kosovo and Republic of Serbia and highly appreciated Kosovo’s constructiveness and commitment to build good neighbour relations as one of the basic conditions in the European Union membership process. Among other, Commissioner Füle said that: “This Monday, European Commission has sent to the EU Council its proposal for the negotiating directives for the beginning of the SAA.  This has been possible for us since Kosovo has worked a lot to fulfil identified short term criteria in the Feasibility Study on the rule of law, public administration, minority protection and trade and I want to publicly congratulate Kosovo on the work done”.