Kosovo told EU membership path still requires reforms

The European Parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, said Kosovo’s future is in the European Union, but reforms are still needed.

Terras made the statement after meetings with political leaders in Pristina.

Kosovo applied for EU membership in December 2022, but the application has not passed the first formal stage. It has not been reviewed by the EU Council or sent to the European Commission for an opinion.

Kosovo is the only Western Balkan country without EU candidate status.

Acting president Albulena Haxhiu asked for the application to be handled without further delay. She said Kosovo was not asking for special treatment, but for a fair process based on merit.

Terras also met acting foreign minister Glauk Konjufca and opposition leader Bedri Hamza.

The visit came after the European Parliament adopted its annual resolution on Kosovo in June. Terras said reforms and progress in the EU-led dialogue with Serbia remain key to Kosovo’s EU path.