Kosovo officially requests EU candidate status
Kosovo's leaders signed today in Pristina, the country's official request to receive EU candidate status. The request is to be submitted to the Czech Republic, the country that holds the EU's rotating presidency.
"This is a historic moment for our country," said Prime Minister Kurti, who stressed that progress towards EU integration "will depend on our commitment to introduce reforms that promote democracy, strengthen the rule of law and grow our economy".
For her part, President Vjosa Osmani said that by submitting this request, Kosovo "also helps the European Union take another step towards the goal of creating a free and peaceful Europe".
Serbia, from which Kosovo declared independence in 2008, immediately asked the European Union to cancel the trial.
After receiving Kosovo's request, the Czech Republic will inform the other member countries next week. However, the file will go to Sweden, which takes over the rotating presidency of the EU from January 1, 2023.
