During a conversation with journalist Maria Tadeo under the summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared his position on the performance of the Western Balkans’ European integration and Serbia’s weight in the process.
Rama underlined that, although membership of official Belgrade in the EU remains of particular importance to the stability of the region, concrete steps, unconditional fulfillment of the European criteria are required of it, and, above all, recognition of Kosovo’s citizenship.
From what I see, the winner in Belgrade does not testify to the opening to us, which goes through the recognition of Kosovo in need. That means the political course there remains unchanged, he said.
Acknowledging that the region is still outside the European family and that its task is to listen rather than to instruct, Rama concluded that Serbia continues to constitute a key element in the mosaic of the Western Balkans.
I was a lawyer who should not let Serbia go in the wrong direction and abandon the European project. On the other hand, we know how things work.
When it comes to certain aspects, Serbia has testified to a reluctance towards Kosovo, but also about the stance it takes against Russia and sanctions.
We need Serbia to be with us, to be a part of the neighbourhood and to be a full part of the EU, but it must show results and deserve that belonging, realizing what is non-negotiable with the EU, Rama said.
Source Layer: Insander