EU: Balkan’s future is in Europe. We want reconciliation and good neighboring

To react after the rage caused in Serbia by the declaration of the Albanian and the Kosovo Prime Ministers regarding national unity, the Spokesperson of Foreign Policy for the EU tried to calm both parties by saying that Balkan has a European perspective and all parties should engage for good neighboring. 

TCH: Can you explain the position of the EU towards the Albanian Prime Minister? Or are you appealing Rama to not provoke?

Maja Koçijançiç, Spokesperson of the EU: We saw the interview of Mr.Rama with the Kosovo Foreign Minister. What we can say as the EU, is that all Western Balkan has a clear European perspective, confirmed in a higher political level and even recently by the Highest Representative and the Commissioner for the enlargement negotiations. All partners in the region have confirmed their commitment for this purpose, and their ambition to fulfill the necessary criteria in this process, by respecting the principles and standards of the EU. Some of these promises are related to the regional cooperation and good neighboring relations. For the moment, every country in the region is progressing towards this goal, with individual different paces. But we expect all of them to make the necessary efforts to progress. It is very important to not have provoking declarations, especially as regards good neighboring, reconciliation and regional cooperation. Every provoking declaration is unacceptable.

TCH: Prime Minister Rama speaks about two scenarios, one positive and one negative. Do you think that you are considering only the negative one when you speak about “provoking”?

Maja Koçijançiç: There is only one scenario for the European Union, and this is that of a clear European perspective. This is our focus and all our partners are working on this, including Albania and Kosovo, by engaging an unprecedented effort in this process. I think that this should be the focus for everyone.

TCH: How does this approach of our Prime Minister affect Albania’s accession?

Maja Koçijançiç: I gave a general description of the EU, according to which the efforts must continue in order to achieve progress with the European perspective of the region. Everything else that is out of this must be avoided.

Prepared by: Arta TOZAJ / Top Channel