Another country intends to join the EU

The partially recognized state in the Balkans, Kosovo, will apply for EU membership by the end of 2022, writes EURACTIV .

This was stated by Prime Minister Albin Kurti at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the capital Pristina.

We will continue our pursuit of EU candidate status, which we plan to achieve later this year, he said.

He added that Kosovo is working to fulfill the requirements for integration into the bloc.

As noted, the independence of the Republic of Kosovo was recognized by 97 UN member states. Ukraine, unlike the overwhelming majority of European countries and the world, does not recognize the state of Kosovo.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008. Serbia considers it its territory. However, Serbia also aspires to join the EU and in this regard has committed itself to normalizing relations with Kosovo. Since 2013, Belgrade and Pristina have been trying to resolve relations through the mediation of the EU.

We emphasize that such EU members as Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Greece do not recognize the independence of Kosovo. This blocks the path to the EU, as the 27 member states must unanimously decide on the candidate's status. Ukraine also does not recognize the state of Kosovo.