EU’s Borrell on the new Kosovo government

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Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the new government

I welcome the vote of the Kosovo Assembly confirming the new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti. With the government now in place, I look forward to intensifying our discussions and cooperation on European Union-Kosovo relations, on reforms and on the EU-facilitated Dialogue. The EU remains committed to working with Kosovo’s institutions and people to move forward on the European path.

There is a lot of work ahead for the new government to implement the provisions of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the European Reform Agenda, and to promote the rule of law and socio-economic development. Regional cooperation must be enhanced, as well as good neighbourly relations.

In this context, we look forward to a swift resumption of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue facilitated by the EU to help achieve a comprehensive normalisation of relations. The current status quo is not tenable. There is no alternative to a rapid resumption of the normalisation talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

We also need to see renewed engagement of Kosovo in regional initiatives and cooperation structures for the benefit of Kosovo.

The challenges facing Kosovo are significant but so is Kosovo’s potential. We stand ready to assist Kosovo on its European Reform Agenda and to continue our support in strengthening the rule of law for all, improving public administration to deliver services that the population deserve, and creating jobs and growth.

(eeas.europa.eu, 04/02/2020)