Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that the agreement for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia, along with its Implementing Annex, should be officially integrated as essential components of Kosovo’s and Serbia’s respective accession processes to the EU.

Just days before the European Council meeting on March 21st, the Albanian government’s leader, through a social media post, emphasized the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement by Kosovo and Serbia, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining peace, stability, and security.

“As we approach the March 21st European Council meeting, it’s crucial to recall that the implementation of the Agreement on the Path to Normalizing Relations between Kosovo and Serbia, along with its Implementing Annex, holds significant importance for preserving security, stability, and peace in the Western Balkans. Mere acknowledgment of the Agreement, which is legally binding, falls short. To ensure progress, the Agreement and its Implementing Annex must be officially included as integral parts of Kosovo’s and Serbia’s respective EU accession processes,” Rama wrote, further emphasizing, “Any delay in doing so only perpetuates the status quo. And maintaining the status quo regarding this strategic key for a peaceful, prosperous, and European neighborhood in the heart of Europe does not serve Europe’s security interests.”

A year ago, Kosovo and Serbia reached an agreement to normalize relations after 12 hours of negotiations. However, the agreement was not formally signed by both parties.

/k.s/