Novák: Hungary is determined and committed to supporting Kosovo’s European Union integration
Hungary plays an intermediary role between the Western Balkans and the European Union, President Katalin Novák said at a press conference with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani in Pristina on Tuesday, MTI informs.
Novák highlighted: peace and security in the Western Balkans is necessary for the peace and stability of Europe, which is contributed by the KFOR force and a future European Union membership for the countries of the Western Balkans. He announced that Hungary is determined and committed to supporting the European Union integration of the Western Balkan countries, and this includes the European integration of Kosovo.
Now that Ukraine and Moldova have received candidate member status, this is both an opportunity and a danger, he said, adding: on the one hand, it is an opportunity, as it can speed up the accession for those who meet the requirements, but it is also a danger, as those who receive candidate member status for political reasons may overtake them. and they will have to fulfill the requirements later.
Katalin Novák emphasized: in this regard, we see the chance and seize the opportunity that the current period can speed up the integration of the countries that are already waiting. He emphasized that Hungary has supported visa-free travel in Kosovo from the very beginning.
In connection with her visit to Kosovo, Katalin Novák said: In Hungary, the President of the Republic is the Commander-in-Chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces, and in this capacity it is a tradition to see soldiers serving abroad. He added that he fulfills this tradition when he visits the five hundred Hungarian soldiers serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. He also mentioned that Minister of National Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky will also participate in the visit to Kosovo.
“It is a special pride to have a Hungarian commander of this KFOR mission,” he pointed out, congratulating Major General Ferenc Kajári on his service. Vjosa Osmani reminded that Hungary has supported Kosovo in many areas throughout history, including the period of the pandemic. He added: the relationship between the two countries is based on historical traditions, and we also share common values and goals. Kosovo’s vision and objective is to maintain the Euro-Atlantic alliance and to be integrated into Europe, he added.
He also touched on the fact that Hungary provides enormous support for Kosovo students, about 300 students participated in the Stipendium scholarship. He pointed out that, like other European countries, Kosovo is also facing an energy crisis. As he said, the entire region should increase cooperation in this area in order to reduce the burden.
Vjosa Osmani said: it’s time for Kosovo’s relationship with the European Union to level up, and this year Kosovo will apply for candidate status. He added that every step of the European integration path counts as Hungary’s effective and continuous support for Kosovo to gain a deserved place in the larger European family.
Katalin Novák (from left) and Vjosa Osmani (Photo: Katalin Novák / Facebook)