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Pristina“The beginning of a new chapter” – Kosovo applies for EU membership
Kosovo submitted a formal application for membership of the European Union on Wednesday. Serbia immediately called on the EU to break off the accession process for Kosovo.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca signed the document in Pristina.
IMAGO/AFLO
Serbia reacted angrily to Kosovo’s application for membership. Pictured here is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
IMAGO/Pixsell
That’s what it’s regarding
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Serbia reacted angrily to Kosovo’s application for membership.
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Tensions have repeatedly flared up between the two countries in recent days.
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Serbia wants to send soldiers to the border, which Kosovo stressed to defend itself in such a case.
Kosovo submitted a formal application for membership of the European Union on Wednesday. President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca signed the document in Pristina, which is to be handed over to the Czech Council Presidency on Thursday. Serbia immediately asked the EU to break off the accession process for Kosovo.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter,” said Prime Minister Kurti. “Progress will depend on our commitment to deep and transformative reforms that strengthen our democracy and economy.” Kosovo’s accession process is likely to be long and difficult, not least because of tensions with Serbia. Kosovo, inhabited mostly by ethnic Albanians, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. The Serbian government has not recognized this move and still considers Kosovo a part of Serbia. Formally, however, Serbia no longer has any authority there.
Serbia reacts angrily to membership application
Serbia reacted angrily to Kosovo’s bid for membership, saying it would call on the five non-recognizing EU countries and Hungary to block the initiative in Brussels. These five countries are Greece, Spain, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus.
EU enlargement has stalled in recent years. But since the Russian attack on Ukraine in late February, EU officials have emphasized that strengthening ties with Western Balkan countries is more important than ever to maintaining European security.
tensions increase
The actually for coming Local elections planned for the week in the predominantly Serb north of Kosovo, have been postponed to April 23 due to ethnic tensions. This was announced by President Vjosa Osmani on Saturday following political consultations.
Before the planned new election, tensions had increased further. Unknown gunmen shot a police officer and a number of other incidents ensued. Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Zvecla said following the arrest of an ethnic Serb ex-policeman who allegedly attacked polling stations, some roads in northern Kosovo were blocked by “extremist groups”.
Serbia wants to send soldiers
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday that the government in Belgrade would formally request the commander of the NATO-led Kosovo force to send Serbian soldiers to northern Kosovo. But he has no illusions that this might be approved. Serbia never recognized the independence of its former province of Kosovo in 2008 and still sees itself as the protector of Serbs living there.
On Sunday morning, Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti reacted to the planned dispatch of Serbian soldiers to the north of Kosovo. «We are not looking for conflict, but dialogue and peace. But to be clear: The Republic of Kosovo will defend itself – with full determination.”
(dpa/fos)
