Costa: Western Balkans’ future lies in EU once disputes are resolved

Dec 19, 2024 – European Council President Antonio Costa said on Wednesday that the Western Balkans' future lies firmly within the European Union but warned that unresolved bilateral issues between Kosovo and Serbia are delaying progress toward full integration.

Speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after a meeting of EU and Western Balkans leaders, Costa stressed the need for tangible efforts to overcome existing disputes.

“Enlargement is the best geostrategic investment we can make for peace, security, and resilience,” Costa said. “However, challenges and bilateral issues remain, which must be addressed to move forward.”

Kosovo and Serbia are at a deadlock over implementing an EU-brokered normalization agreement reached last year. Relations have been tense, with both sides trading accusations over delays. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, speaking ahead of the summit, criticized the EU's punitive measures imposed on Kosovo for its government’s actions in northern regions.

“There is nothing European about punishing an entire population, even for projects related to essential needs like drinking water,” Osmani said. She urged the EU to treat all Western Balkans states equally in its integration policies.

While Montenegro and Albania have been praised for recent progress, Serbia remains the only regional country not aligned with EU sanctions against Russia.

Von der Leyen highlighted the geopolitical urgency of advancing talks, saying, “We are redoubling efforts to support partners eager to make progress.” She added that lifting measures against Kosovo and granting it candidate status require consensus among EU member states.

In a joint statement, leaders emphasized that the lack of normalization between Pristina and Belgrade hampers both sides' EU aspirations. The statement called for implementing previously signed agreements as a prerequisite for continued support.

Kosovo, which applied for EU membership in December 2022, awaits a review of its application. Despite frustrations, Costa expressed optimism about renewed momentum for resolving disputes. “Together, we can overcome these challenges,” he said.

The Western Balkans' integration remains a priority for the EU, seen as a strategic move to strengthen stability and align the region’s policies with European standards.