Independent Kosovo” wants to join EU in 2015
“Independent Kosovo” wants to join the European Union in 2015 and is expecting clear signals from the EU foreign ministers on its path towards European integration, Pristina’s Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci said on Wednesday.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Thursday, April 24, 2008
"After independence, our national aspiration is to join the EU ... We see accession as a way to prosperity, democratisation, more security," Kuci said.
Pristina expects from next week's meeting of EU ministers in Luxembourg "clear signals on Kosovo's path towards EU integration".
"The government's engagement and commitment is to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement during its mandate, and we think 2012 is the optimal year," he said.
"We believe Kosovo will join the EU in 2015. This is our goal, our forecast, and our commitment."
He said the first and crucial step was to be recognised by all EU states "in order not to be blocked later in the process."
Although 18 EU countries have recognized Kosovo's unilateral secession, some EU members have vowed never to recognize it.
He also urged Serbia not to block Kosovo's bid.
"We don't want to be an obstacle to the integration of others, just as we don't want others to obstruct us," Kuci said. "We will apply as an independent and sovereign state."
