The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party time and again has stressed that the only possible solution for the conflict over Kosovo would be the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Therefore, we welcomed Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2007.

However, at the same time we believe that Kosovo’s independence can only be successful if it adheres to European values and rules; its communities are at peace with each other; and friendly relations exist with its neighbouring states.

More than ever, Kosovo and Europe need to connect.

A number of hurdles are however remaining. Liberals have urged the five remaining EU member states to recognize the country. This should be done as soon as possible, to end the unfortunate jeopardy of Kosovo’s future – especially in view of that the International Court of Justice of the United Nations cleared the way for independence by declaring in 2010 that it “did not violate international law or any applicable laws of international law”.

It is now imperative that Kosovar authorities cooperate fully with the Council of Europe to establish clear conclusions on what happened in Kosovo in the direct aftermath of the armed conflict and before the international forces gained control of the area. Not only does ELDR believe that this will help the reconciliation process between the Albanian and Serbian communities of Kosovo – but by properly cooperating Kosovo’s reputation in the European Union will also increase.

Furthermore, European Liberals have every understanding for the Kosovar people’s hopes for visa liberalisation. While we endorse Kosovo’s chances – there are still European benchmarks to fulfil. Many of Kosovo’s neighbouring countries have however succeeded in this strive. If Kosovo continues working on this and ultimately reaches the targets – European Liberals consider it natural for them to also take part in this scheme.

For all of these issues to succeed, however, it is high time for Kosovar politics to connect to the European discourse. In this strive, Kosovar Liberals have led the way. ELDR, which for years has included among its members the Liberal Party of Kosovo, and more recently the Alliance for New Kosovo (AKR), has actively engaged Kosovan politicians in its European activities. This has had a strong impact on that Europe’s liberals are in favour of a European perspective of Kosovo as an independent multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Therefore, the ELDR Party has also urged the EU institutions and the Council of Europe to consider the European perspective and process of integration of Kosovo and its Western Balkan neighbours into the EU during the next round of European enlargement.

With the emerging news of ELDR Member AKR now joining the government and Party Leader Behgjet Pacolli becoming President of Kosovo, European Liberals have good faith in that Kosovo will be able to make good progress towards European values and identity. Such progress will be needed – both for Kosovo’s development and for the further fulfilment of a free and democratic European continent.

Next events

04/03 ELDR Youth forum in CEE, Wroclaw Poland
24/03 European Summit in Brussels
24/03 ELDR Prime Ministers meeting

Contact

ELDR Party
Rue MONTOYERstraat 31
(7th floor)
BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium
T +32 2 237 01 40
F +32 2 231 19 07
info@eldr.eu [1] - www.eldr.eu [2]