On 25 October, the COR working group on Western Balkans met in Gjilan, Kosovo, to discuss the state of play of EU-Kosovo relations and the involvement of local government in the EU accession process.
While Kosovar members underlined that EU integration is a priority for them, they also lamented the EU has been far too distant. Moreover, they argued for visa free travel and asked to be treated equally to the other Western Balkans countries.
Members stated that it is particularly important to involve the young people in the process of EU accession and that visa liberalisation could be helpful in this respect.
At the same time members recalled that all the conditions set by the European Commission, notably fight against t corruption and organised crime, need to be met.
Members also discussed the "Connectivity Agenda", a regional cooperation project initiative between the six western Balkans countries, and the investments priorities for Kosovo's socio economic development.
Marc Hendrickx, member of the Flemish Parliament and of the EA Group, highlighted the importance of connecting people between the Western Balkans countries and called for support to language education in order to build mutual understanding and ensure the youth speak the language of their neighbours.