European road to Kosovo is open, the speed of movement depends on Kosovo itself
During a visit to Kosovo, MEP Kristian Vigenin and the European Parliament`s delegation, which was led by him, held meetings with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, Deputy Prime Minister Slobodan Petrovic, with the Ministers of Interior, Justice, European Affairs, representatives of NGOs and media. The relationships with the European Union, Kosovo's progress in the fight against organized crime and corruption, the dialogue with Serbia and minority politics were in the focus of the discussions.
"The conclusions of the European Commission opened the road to negotiations for an Association and Stabilization Agreement with Kosovo and gave a clear perspective for the European road to the country. From now on only by Kosovo depends how fast this process will evolve.". That said Kristian Vigenin to the Prime Minister Hashim Thaci during the talks and added: "The great challenges for Kosovo are the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime.". The Prime Minister of Kosovo, stressed the government's determination to fulfill the commitments and to continue the dialogue with Serbia at the highest political level.
Vigenin stressed the fact that "President Jahjaga is the only woman - president of country in Southeastern Europe and her active work to strengthen the role of women in political, economic and social life is very important for the whole region." Kristian Vigenin also emphasized the important role of the Serb minority in Kosovo.
"You hold the key for the European future of the country. Kosovo, as well as any other country in the Western Balkans, can not be part of the EU, if rights of the ethnic and religious minorities are not guaranteed.", said Vigenin to the Deputy Prime Minister Slobodan Petrovic – representative of Serbs in Kosovo.
As a result of the visit to Serbia and Kosovo, the European Parliament`s delegation will prepare a report with concrete proposals that will be presented at a session of European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee (AFET) next month.