Roberta METSOLA gives her introductory statement in a formal sitting with Vjosa OSMANI-SADRIU, President of Kosovo. On 3 June, the EU condemned in the strongest terms the violent acts in the north of Kosovo, where dozens of NATO peacekeepers were injured. It was sparked by Kosovo’s resolve to install newly appointed, ethnic-Albanian mayors into office in the north of the country after local Serbs boycotted the elections. The EU urged both Kosovo and Serbia to de-escalate the situation immediately and stop using divisive rhetoric. Failure to do so would result in resolute measures, warned High Representative in his statement.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Kosovo (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

formal sitting

OSMANI, Vjosa (1A)

president's agenda

Formal Sitting with Vjosa OSMANI-SADRIU, President of Kosovo: introductory statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/70732449/1686237677009_I242012Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Good morning, dear colleagues. Today we are joined by President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, of Kosovo. President Osmani, thank you for accepting our invitation to address the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Dear President, we know full well of Kosovo's commitment to a European path, and I know your commitment to ensure the necessary conditions to advance down this path, that it's continued to be implemented in earnest.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Let me say also at the outset that we are grateful for your support in providing shelter to Ukrainians fleeing Russia's illegal invasion and your support in aligning with us on sanctions because we must keep standing with Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, This House stood with you when it seemed impossible, and I think we can all recognise just how far Kosovo has come. The journey towards visa free travel has been an arduous one, but together we can be proud now that by January 1st next year, Kosovo's citizens will be granted this freedom to.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law are all fundamental values that this House of Parliament stands by vociferously. We are well aware of the challenges and consequences that recent events in your country can have on the stability in the region and the continuous need for the European Union to keep underlining the benefits of de-escalation and cooperation over confrontation.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Kosovo's journey continues, and this House welcomes your country's endeavour to tackle challenges head on by the need for resolute and immediate steps to contentions, to cooperate with international partners, with our Member States and investing in cross-border projects and partnerships.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, This Parliament wants to hear from the people of Kosovo on how best to create economic prosperity, opportunity, long term stability and progress in your region. Let us continue our constructive dialogue to ensure tangible results for us all. So, Madam President Vjosa, you have the floor.