Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz has assessed that Kosovo has made significant progress in building democratic institutions and electoral processes, emphasizing that the country could be considered among the main candidates for membership in the European Union.
He stated that the Constitution of Kosovo is in high compliance with European standards.
"Kosovo is a country that has a constitution that is very close to European constitutions. It is a country that has set an example of how elections are organized in the region, and even where there have been doubts, regular recounts have been conducted. Some countries in the region can learn from this example," said Waitz.
Speaking about the fight against corruption, he emphasized that Kosovo is on the right track, but the process remains challenging.
"Kosovo is on a good path in terms of the fight against corruption. However, this is an ongoing battle, as is the case in all our member states," he said.
According to the MEP, if Kosovo were treated as an ordinary applicant for EU membership, it would be ranked among the most advanced countries.
"If Kosovo were a regular applicant for the European Union, it would be among the leading countries. There are still reforms to be made and improvements to be seen, but the country would be in a good position," Waitz declared.
However, he stressed that the integration process is being hindered by political factors and the lack of recognition from Serbia.
"The reason why this is not the case is related to the fact that Kosovo is still not recognized by Serbia and continues to be blocked in its path. This is an issue where I agree with my colleagues, because the political elite is not ready for compromise," he said.
Finally, Waitz added that the results of the elections in Kosovo must be respected.
"There have been two elections that have shown a clear winner and this must be accepted," he concluded. /Telegraph/
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