Toespraak Eurocommissaris Rehn (uitbreiding) over de EU en Kosovo (en)

SPEECH/08/91

Mr Olli Rehn

EU Commissioner for Enlargement

European Institutions' reactions on Kosovo independence

European Parliament Plenary session

20 February 2008, Strasbourg

Recalling our excellent co-operation on the Western Balkans, I want to thank you for the opportunity to inform the Parliament on the Commission's standpoint on the Kosovo issue.

Kosovo's Assembly declared independence last Sunday in a climate of dignity. In its declaration, Kosovo committed itself to fully respect extensive rights to Kosovo Serbs, especially with regard to local self-government in education, culture and health, in line with the comprehensive proposal by UNSE Martti Ahtisaari.

Celebrations in Kosovo took place in a joyful but responsible manner. However, there have been acts of violence in Belgrade and North Kosovo. We condemn the use of violence, and call on all leaders and people of the region to remain calm and maintain peace and stability.

The EU Foreign Ministers on Monday responded to developments in a united way. European unity is indeed essential to enable the EU to successfully steer the ongoing stabilisation in the Western Balkans and to help bring the Kosovo status process to conclusion.

After the United Nations Security Council failed, the EU was bound to steer the process to conclusion. The Union has already taken the essential decisions to send an ESDP rule of law mission to Kosovo.

The Council on Monday also provided a platform for dealing with recognition. It will be up to each EU Member State individually to establish relations with Kosovo in accordance with its national procedures. Several Member States have already recognised Kosovo. I expect most of the others to follow suit, at their own pace.

The Council rightly reiterated the EU's adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the CSCE Helsinki Final Act and to all UNSC resolutions. It underlined that "in view of the conflict of the 1990s and the extended period of international administration, Kosovo constitutes a sui generis case which does not call into question these principles". The Commission fully shares this position.

In line with Monday's Council conclusions, the Commission stands ready to provide its full support to the EU's efforts in Kosovo.

By using community instruments, the Commission will support institution building in Kosovo and foster its political and economic development. On 5 March, we shall propose concrete measures for the broader region in order to advance its European aspirations.

In Kosovo, many areas are in need of development, and we must strive to help Kosovo to help itself as quickly as possible. In this context the Commission is working on to organise a Donors' Conference that should help alleviate the most pressing financial challenges. I expect the Conference to take place by the summer.

I know this is a difficult moment for Serbia. I am very conscious of Kosovo's historical importance to the Serbian people. However, I find that time has come to turn the page on the past, and to look to the future. And Serbia's future is in Europe. Serbia and the whole region have the perspective of membership in the European Union.

Finally, I want to reiterate my appreciation for the unwavering support of the European Parliament for the Western Balkans. We count on your continuous support, so that the citizens of this region can fulfil their aspiration of becoming, one day, part of the European Union.