2nd anniversary of Kosovo's independence

Commenting on the second anniversary of the declaration of independence of Kosovo, Ulrike Lunacek, rapporteur of the European parliament on Kosovo and foreign affairs spokesperson for the Greens/EFA group today said:

"Two years after the declaration of Kosovo's independence, it is high time to focus all efforts to ensure the future of this county. All citizens of Kosovo - including the Serbian and other minorities - deserve assurances that their state finally can provide them with economic prosperity and the supply of basic services as education and health.

Pristina, Belgrade and Brussels are called upon to cooperate economically and politically to avoid a deterioration of the situation for the population in Kosovo. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton has to make clear statements during her upcoming visit in Belgrade and Pristina. Belgrade has to get used to the reality of an independent Kosovo und must cease its economic boycott in the CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement). Kosovo joined this agreement already in 2007, i.e. before its independence. Ashton must also make it crystal clear to Belgrade that Serbia's accession to the EU will not be possible without recognising Kosovo.

It is high time too, that the remaining five EU member states make moves towards recognising of the new state, Ashton should personally get involved to ensure this. The divided position of the Union is rendering a coherent European policy towards Kosovo, for example in the North of the country, almost impossible. In Pristina, Ashton should reinforce the clear commitment of the European Commission to visa liberalisation and encourage the Kosovan authorities, to implement quickly the technical preconditions for that."