President Vjosa Osmani has called on the European Union to lift the punitive measures against Kosovo.

Speaking from Tirana, where the European Political Community Summit is taking place, Osmani sharply criticized the European Union, saying it does not appreciate Kosovo’s reforms and work. She also accused the EU of opening the door more to those who go to Moscow to meet Putin, indirectly referring to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.“Despite the fact that we are 100 percent aligned with the EU’s foreign and security policies, unfortunately there is a total blockade by the EU. Our reforms are not appreciated, our work is not appreciated, and the fact that we are fully in line with their policies is not recognized. This sends a very bad message for our region, as more doors are being opened for those who go to Moscow to Putin, than for us who see no other path or alternative except the EU,” she said.

Speaking about the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue, Osmani emphasized that there are growing demands for the EU to lift the measures, and that the EU accession process should be merit-based.

She added that the current dialogue process is not equal since Kosovo is under sanctions while Serbia is not. However, she expressed hope that the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, and the dialogue envoy, Peter Sørensen, will push forward the lifting of the sanctions.“I have higher expectations regarding some balance from the EU, since, as you know, Kosovo is under sanctions and Serbia is not. This disrupts equality at the dialogue table. I have hope that Ms. Kallas and Mr. Sørensen will advance the lifting of sanctions and equal treatment of the parties. We will be constructive,” Osmani stressed.

She also said that Kosovo has its chief negotiator, Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, who has full authority and can hold meetings at the chief negotiator level if requested by the EU.

Regarding the political crisis in Kosovo, Osmani said there will still be efforts to constitute the Assembly and form new institutions.“I believe there will be further efforts, and I encourage political leaders, for the interest of the citizens and Kosovo, not to waste time and to have institutions as soon as possible. Kosovo has its chief negotiator, who has full authority. The first Deputy Prime Minister, who was neither a candidate nor elected as a member of parliament, has the competence to hold meetings at the chief negotiator level if requested by the EU,” Osmani declared.

She added that at today’s summit in Tirana there are no bilateral meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Regarding yesterday’s informal dinner between regional and EU leaders, she said that some participants expressed strong criticism of Vučić’s visit to Moscow, while others justified it. According to her, such a stance sends a harmful message for the region and not only for Kosovo.“Some had strong positions, others did not. Some were harsh, others more understanding. This is extremely damaging and sends a harmful message to the region and not only to us,” Osmani concluded in her statement to the media at the start of the European Political Community Summit held in Tirana.