Two years ago, Kosovo took a bold step toward its European future. Prime Minister Albin Kurti personally handed over Kosovo’s application for EU membership to the Czech Presidency of the EU Council on 15 December 2022 in Prague. It was a moment described by Kosovo’s leaders as “historic,” signalling the country’s ambitions to join the European Union.
That same day, Kurti met with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky and European Affairs Minister Mikuláš Bek. Together, they held a joint press conference, where Kurti spoke of Kosovo’s desire to “be part of the European family,” while Bek praised the country’s commitment to reforms and European integration.
But applying is just the beginning of a long and challenging process. Kosovo faces three major hurdles before it can take its place at the EU table. The first is securing candidate status, which requires the unanimous backing of the European Council—a task complicated by the fact that five EU member states still don’t recognise Kosovo’s independence.
If Kosovo achieves candidate status, it will then need to bring its laws in line with EU rules, known as the acquis communautaire. This process involves negotiating 35 different chapters, covering everything from trade to human rights. Only when all chapters are successfully closed can the final step begin: signing and ratifying an accession treaty.
That treaty must be approved not just by Kosovo but by all 27 EU member states. Each country must ratify it individually before Kosovo can officially join.
Despite the challenges, Kosovo’s leaders are optimistic. They see EU membership as a chance to cement the country’s political stability and drive economic growth. Yet, questions remain about how quickly Kosovo can navigate its internal reforms and improve relations with Serbia—issues that could make or break its European future.
For now, Kosovo’s application stands as a powerful statement of intent, with Kurti urging the EU to stay true to its promise of integration for the Western Balkans.
“This is more than a formality,” Kurti said in Prague. “It is our path to a stronger, united future with Europe.”
