Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, spoke today at the annual Berlin Process Summit in London. He said NATO membership for Western Balkan countries would close a dangerous security gap in Europe.

Kurti noted that London can play a crucial role, as Germany did when it launched the Berlin Process. He said Europe faces growing threats from authoritarianism both inside and outside the continent.

“Peace, freedom, and human dignity are not guaranteed. Each generation must protect them,” Kurti added. He called for strong unity to resist external pressures and internal doubts.

He stressed that the Western Balkans lies geographically within the EU and NATO borders. Yet, many countries remain outside EU membership and half are outside NATO treaties. “This is neither wise nor solid,” he said.

Kurti warned that Europe must prevent any security vacuum, especially to limit Russian and Chinese influence. He highlighted the Berlin Process initiative, created after EU enlargement stalled in 2014. He said London can now help countries in the Western Balkans join NATO. “We share values and goals. EU and NATO membership are our only options,” Kurti emphasized.

He outlined Kosovo’s achievements over the past five years. The country averaged 6% economic growth and never below 4%. Recently, the World Bank and IMF removed Kosovo from the fragile states list. They recognized its stability, governance, and security progress.

Kurti also addressed threats from the north. He condemned the terrorist attack in Banjskë. “The attacker admitted responsibility, yet justice remains pending. We cannot allow impunity. It encourages further incursions and sends a dangerous signal,” he said.

On EU integration, Kurti said Kosovo supports the Regional Common Market and the Green Agenda. He stressed the need for more funding to close infrastructure gaps, advance green transitions, and reduce inequality.

He added that Kosovo signed a new trade agreement with EFTA countries in January. The deal covers goods and services and expands market access. Under Kosovo’s first direct CEFTA presidency, the organization regained functionality with a new director after two years of blockages.

Kurti also spoke on migration. He said Kosovo pledged to the UK to address instability at the source. Measures include border security, fighting organized crime, stopping illegal financing, and managing migration flows. “Kosovo is a transit point, not a source, with relatively low numbers,” he concluded.

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