Security and stability of the EU, expansion as well as focus on the economy, these are the priorities of the Swedish government that took over the presidency of the EU for the next 6 months. In an interview for RTSH, the Swedish Ambassador in Tirana, Elsa Hastad, explains in details what is expected to happen with Albania and Kosovo in the coming months.

The month of January marks the beginning of the 6-month mandate of the Swedish Presidency at the head of the EU, which comes at the height of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Despite all the problems that Europe is experiencing, the months we left behind turned out to be very successful for Albania and the Western Balkans.

What is expected to happen during the Swedish Presidency with the integration of the Western Balkan countries?

“We have been engaged for 20 years and this is a really beautiful moment for us. Now we can take stock. These 6 months we want to take stock with our partners and understand where we are. I think you did a really good job with it. You completed the very important first stage of Screening Cluster 1. Albania has made its trips to Brussels during the last month, resulting in success. This is what I heard from my colleagues in Brussels. “Screening Cluster 2″ will start now, which is the internal financial market”, said Ambassador Hastad

The Swedish ambassador also focused on Kosovo’s application for membership and the challenge of non-recognition of the Kosova state by EU member states.

“Let me start by saying that it is the same preparation process for Kosovo as well. My colleagues in Prishtina are engaged with issues such as the environment, economic development, the establishment of institutions to prepare Kosovo for a future membership in the EU. We have the same ambitions and goals for Kosovo as for Albania and the Western Balkans region. More specifically, Kosovo submitted its application for membership during our presidency and we must push the process forward. My colleagues in Brussels will now have to start the consultation process with the other member states. But of course we will also consult with these 5 states. Then, if during our presidency we manage to find a way forward, and I am sure we will, the issue will go to the table of the European Commission, where it will be discussed whether Kosovo’s application will be accepted or not”, ambassador Hastad says for RTSH.

/k.s/