Hoxhaj receives EP support for a new dynamic to Kosovo’s integration

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Minister Hoxhaj also made a speech to members of the Pan-European Group which operates within the Parliamentary Group of the Popular Party in the EP.

During the meeting with Joseph Daul, Deputy Leader of the EP and head of the Popular Party Parliamentary Group, Hoxhaj asked this group, which is the largest in the European Parliament, to support the Republic of Kosovo’s European perspective.

Joseph Daul assured the Minister that the Popular Party Parliamentary Group will strongly support the Republic of Kosovo’s integration in all European Union mechanisms.

He added that Europe will not be complete, without the membership of the entire Balkans, including the Republic of Kosovo, in the EU. 

In addition, Daul said that this Parliamentary Group will make pressure on EU mechanisms for a new dynamic to Kosovo’s European integration, beginning with visa liberalization and the start of a feasibility study.

In addition, Minister Hoxhaj held a friendly meeting with Hannes Swoboda, head of the Progressive Alliance and Social Democrat Parliamentary Group.

Swoboda also said that without the integration of the Balkans, including Kosovo, the European Union will not be complete and emphasized that there is broad consensus in the EP for Kosovo’s European perspective.

He also expressed the full support of the Group that he represents for Kosovo, with special emphasis on reforms that Kosovo is undertaking in its integration path toward the EU.

Minister Hoxhaj received a guarantee from these two important EP groups that they will ask Serbia to behave in a European manner toward Kosovo.

In all meetings held in Strasburg, the Minister was assured that the European Parliament is against holding Serbian elections in the north of Kosovo.

Hoxhaj met many Euro-Deputies, such as Eduard Kukan, Ulrike Lunacek, Doris Pack, Bernd Posselt etc.

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister gave a speech titled “Kosovo – European success story” to members of the Pan European Group, which operates within the Popular Party Parliamentary Group.

In his speech, Hoxhaj mentioned that over the last four years, the Republic of Kosovo has made great progress in strengthening democratic institutions, it has maintained institutional stability and it has improved visibly in democratic governance, rule of law and market economy.

“It is the assessment of the relevant international institutions that Kosovo is moving in the right direction through this process. As well as recognitions, which have reached 88, Kosovo has made important progress in the struggle to be part of regional and international initiatives”, said Hoxhaj.

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister also emphasized that the number and geographical extent of Kosovo’s recognition is global, however for Kosovo it is essential to achieve recognition from the five EU member states, which have not taken such a step over these four years.

“Kosovo’s independence is a geopolitical reality and a factor of stability in the region. With Europe’s help and its work, Kosovo hopes to conclude its statehood project”, he said.

Minister Hoxhaj told the Euro Deputies that 2012 will be a year of talks with the EU on visa liberalization and a Stabilization-Association Agreement, like other Western Balkans states. 

“Without Kosovo and other Western Balkan states, Europe will not be complete”, said Minister Hoxhaj, in his speech to deputies of the Popular Party in the European Parliament.