Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, has requested political consensus in Kosovo in order to advance toward the European Union.
During the press conference held today after the meeting with Kosovo’s President, Hashim Thaci, Tusk said war against organized crime requires political consensus, which EU has seen with the endorsement of the demarcation agreement with Montenegro.
“I want to congratulate you for ratification of demarcation. This enabled Kosovo’s approximation to visa liberalization. This is a proof of inter-party cooperation for the benefit of Kosovo state,” Tusk said at the press conference.
“I know that you will not stop and will continue with the reform process. I am certain that you will not give up. Combating organized crime and corruption requires political consensus and we can continue with this positive policy of your consensus. All my colleagues in Brussels value your achievements. This can serve as an example for your neighbors,” Tusk said.
President Thaci on the other hand said that they discussed with Tusk Kosovo’s membership at the EU. “In this respect, I revealed to him our efforts for the start of reforms on our European agenda. EU and Balkans region, including Kosovo, have never been closer to each other than today,” Thaci said.
“Under any circumstances, I consider Sofia Summit to be an achievement where we will have the opportunity to reflect in front of each other about our achievements and challenges. This will be a momentum for reflection of strategic importance of our integration. It is clear that Kosovo has an urgent need to accelerate its steps toward EU. Kosovo reflects a support of the citizens in relation with the EU, however, Kosovo needs concretization of European ambition. We aim to achieve the right for EU membership in a short period of time,” Thaci said.
“We will give our contribution in the agenda of this summit. We will address joint challenges such as smuggling, terrorism and war against organized crime and corruption,” Thaci said.
