Toespraak Van Rompuy over stabilisatie- en associatieovereenkomst EU-Kosovo

I am extremely pleased to be back in Kosovo and to be the first, as President of the European Council, to congratulate you here in Priština on behalf of the European Union, on the opening of negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. It was decided three days ago.

I remember vividly my first visit to Priština in November 2008, addressing your Parliament shortly after your independence - at the time I was the Speaker of the Belgian Parliament; and I am glad to be visiting this time again at a historical moment for your country.

Kosovo has taken a big step on its path towards the European Union. Your country has worked hard to meet the expectations of EU governments and institutions, and it has delivered. All member states commend you, unanimously, for this work and express their appreciation with this decision.

Congratulations also on the recent achievements of the Priština -Belgrade dialogue, which are of great importance. The Union, especially High Representative, Cathy Ashton i, played a key role. I'd like to publicly commend PM Thaçi for rising to the call of history on the path towards reconciliation, and a common, prosperous, peaceful future with your neighbours. This was the indispensable foundation on which, from now on, you can build. Without it, I would not be here today.

We are aware that the achievement was made possible by efforts on both sides. I am grateful to the leadership of Kosovo and to that of Serbia for their commitment to the dialogue, for the fair and constructive spirit in which they have worked with us and their respective counterparts. You now have to ensure that the agreement will be implemented.

I am pleased that the mandate for negotiating the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is ambitious. It will allow Kosovo to establish a political dialogue with the European Union and to progress with reforms on justice, on the fight against corruption, freedom and security, economic and trade policies as well as cooperation in a whole range of other areas. The agreement will anchor Kosovo firmly in its EU integration process.

I know the importance attached by the citizens of Kosovo as regards obtaining visa liberalisation. I am impressed by the ongoing work on the visa roadmap. I am confident that if you continue the efforts to implement the roadmap the visa requirements will be lifted.

Later today I will meet President Jahjaga and Speaker of Parliament Krasniqi and I will convey the same congratulations and messages.

What you have achieved together with Belgrade is in the very best spirit of the European Union. After the Second World War, this Union was built on reconciliation. Putting the past behind you, showing responsibility in the present, looking towards the future. Reconciliation is much more than just forgiving and forgetting; it is an active work of will. And in your case, the path ahead will be demanding, sometimes daunting, but the reward will be at the measure of your effort. Sealing the end of the last war in Europe - no more, no less -, is the only way to sustainable peace and prosperity, for the good of your nation, your region, and Europe as a whole. That's why, on this path, as you'll be moving forward, the other European countries will stand by you.