French Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad said today in Pristina that Kosovo’s progress on the path to European integration and membership in international organizations depends on fulfilling international obligations, including the implementation of the Brussels Agreement and the continuation of reforms.
At a press conference following a meeting with Kosovo’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Glauk Konjufca, Haddad was asked whether an institutional blockade in Kosovo could affect the process of European integration.
He said that France supports Kosovo’s membership in international institutions, but emphasized that this process is demanding and based on the fulfillment of undertaken obligations.
“We support Kosovo’s integration into international institutions. This is part of our broader project for the reunification of Europe. This process is demanding and is based on international obligations,” Haddad stated.
According to him, one of the key elements is progress in fulfilling the obligations arising from the Brussels Agreement.
“It is also based on the principle of merit, which means reforms, alignment with European Union legislation, strengthening the rule of law, and protection of minority rights. We will be very demanding in these areas,” he said.
According to him, the EU will assist Kosovo during this process as it is “the path to peace and stability.”
The press conference was preceded by a meeting between the two ministers and the signing of five cooperation agreements between Kosovo and France.
A letter of intent was signed for the establishment of the Kosovo-French community to support the organization of the 2030 Mediterranean Games, an administrative agreement for French language instruction in Kosovo, an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, an Extradition Agreement, and a Loan Agreement with the French Agency for the Development of the Mediterranean Games project.
Haddad will also meet today at 3 p.m. with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
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