Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe is being considered possible after the exclusion of Russia, but the difficulties to achieve such a thing are being seen as great.
The executive says they are working on an application to the Council of Europe, but it has not yet been decided when it will happen. Those familiar with international relations are optimistic about membership, while the opposition expressed more skepticism.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Kreshnik Ahmeti, says that the chances are high for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, but also the difficulties are great, as the process is long and goes through several stages.
“We have been working for the Council of Europe, this work has been dynamic, it is not decided when we will apply, but it is clear that we will apply… I know that it is considered an organization where the chances are higher and this it is true, but also the difficulties are great, as the membership process is long and goes through several stages and each stage has its difficulties. “Therefore, with all our capacities but also with the help of our academics, the civil society, we are cooperating to identify all these difficulties”, he says for KP.
The professor of international relations, Dritëro Arifi, is also optimistic.
He says that if there is proper lobbying from Kosovo, the process can be completed successfully.
“The only international body where we can join very quickly and without legal problems is the Council of Europe. In terms of procedures, it is easy and fast, as it is more a political decision of the council member countries if they find a common language and there is good lobbying by Kosovo, not as it has been before. So do not make diplomatic mistakes, as they can cost us a lot. “If there is seriousness from the parties, the process can go very fast,” he said.
Meanwhile, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, now a member of the LDK, Anton Berisha says for KosovaPress, that the Kurti Government has not taken seriously Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe.
He also mentions what he calls the “mistakes” of the Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi during the meeting with the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjorn Berge.
“The process itself is damaged when you do not approach it seriously. He revealed the non-seriousness of the Kosovo government. They make foreign policy for the purposes of domestic policy, gaining some votes from the citizens, regardless of the importance of the process. AI first made a basic diplomatic mistake, as even if it was correct it could not be declared separately without the consent of both parties. Also according to the practices, the text is in principle sent to the party in accordance and in accordance with what has been discussed. He has made two mistakes in thinking that he benefits politically and at the same time has proved his lack of seriousness as an official. “But it does not harm Kosovo as a single act, the lack of process hinders it, as there is no such thing and they do not know the procedures and are not consulted”, he says.
Kosovo’s optimism for membership in the Council of Europe has increased after the exclusion of Russia, as a result of the aggression in Ukraine.
