Check against delivery! 

Good afternoon.  

First, apologies for the delay as we were stuck at the airport, but we are here now, and it is my pleasure to be here. 

It is my first time in Kosovo, so I look forward to the meeting with the caretaker Prime Minister Kurti.  

I also have a meeting with the leaders of the main political parties and representatives of civil society.   

The Western Balkans is of strategic importance to the European Union. EU enlargement to this region is our most significant geopolitical project and it is also a personal priority for me.  

It is good that EU membership is supported by most people in Kosovo and across a wide political spectrum. Kosovo belongs to the European family, but there are no shortcuts for EU membership. Progress can only be achieved through sustained reforms. 

The European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a major opportunity for gradual integration into a European Union single market, that is bringing prosperity to the people. So, Kosovo was the first to submit a reform agenda
and it is well positioned to benefit from the Growth Plan. 

And of course, for that to happen, Kosovo needs functioning institutions that can effectively implement reforms. That is why I encourage all parties to break the political stalemates and swiftly form a government, so that Kosovo can profit from also our support.  

I am also here to listen and understand better the security situation of Kosovo and the region. 

A key priority remains the normalisation of the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. You are equal partners at the table. As European Union and High Representative, I will continue to support this process. And for those who still doubt the process, let me be clear: normalising your relationship is the only path to a safer and more prosperous future for the people of this region. Stability depends on dialogue, not confrontation.  

As a sign of our commitment, I can announce that the EU has begun to gradually lift measures introduced in June 2023. The decision opens the door for greater opportunities for Kosovo's development and also closer ties with Europe. But it's conditional on sustained de-escalation in the north. 

The close down of Serbia-supported structures in the north undermines efforts towards de-escalation. Kosovo has made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions in recent years and our EULEX mission continues to support the rule of law in Kosovo. But again, current political framework and deadlock is holding Kosovo back. 

The formation of new parliament and government is essential for Kosovo's stability, growth and also European future. I encourage all political actors, across [all] the political spectrum, to really work with each other and with communities represented in Kosovo.   

The European Union is ready to support you, but political leaders need to set aside divisions and prioritise Kosovo's future. 

Thank you. 

Q. Why is the EU not letting out the measures against Kosovo? Which are the Member States that are blocking the process? And also, are there any ongoing discussions to lift the measures within this year?  

Yes, thank you. As I said, the EU has begun lifting the measures. But I think [it] is important to understand that at the same time we do not see the escalation in the north. Why am I saying this? [Because] I have been personally convincing Member States that we need to move the measures for Kosovo, but some are saying that Kosovo needs to respect the Ohrid agreement. And the escalation in the north is going in conflict with that. Therefore, this is the struggle that we are at. So first, we are ready to do the steps on our side, but we really need to see de-escalation in the north. Thank you.  

Q. Ms. Kallas, you have said recently that you might look for a new way for normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Since some are saying that this dialogue is not working: what plans are you considering and what is the fate of the agreement on the path toward normalisation? Which was not signed, as we know. And Serbia clearly stated that, including in written, that it will not implement the most important part of it. So, is this agreement still alive? 

Yes, as I have said, I am willing to contribute my time and energy for this process of normalisation, because it is in the interest of the people of Kosovo as well as the people of Serbia, the normalisation of the relations. We have a new special representative, Peter Sørensen, appointed. We have sat down together to see what works and what does not work in this process. The first thing is to really sit down with both parties, [which] we have done separately, [to discuss] how we can move [forward] with this process. The Ohrid agreement is in effect, and it needs to be followed by both parties. 

Thank you. 

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-272576