Former European Union Special Envoy for Kosovo, Wolfgang Petritsch, has praised Kosovo's socio-economic achievements, but stressed that the country still remains far from the level that would guarantee long-term stability.
In a statement to Radio Free Europe, Petritsch said that the real challenge for Kosovo is creating conditions for the younger generation to see the future within the country, not outside it.
"Many Kosovars are still forced to seek their well-being outside their country," he said.
Petritsch expects from the new Kosovo Government an ambitious economic strategy, harmonized with the European Union agenda, aimed at strengthening the country's sovereign autonomy.
It links economic development to political and social stability, implying that structural reforms and a clear orientation towards European standards are essential for Kosovo's future.
One of Petritsch's strongest warnings relates to what he calls the "end of the transatlantic era," emphasizing that this has direct consequences for Kosovo's relationship with the United States, which he describes as the country's "long-term liberator and protector."
"Particularly at a time when Kurdish freedom fighters have been abandoned by the US in Iraq, or when Palestinians are further from their state than ever, we must remind ourselves that the United States and Europe went to war to ensure Kosovo's survival - and its eventual independence," Petritsch declared.
According to him, this contains a lesson and an obligation for Kosovo: to become a respected member of the community of democratic European states.
In his assessment, Kosovo must sincerely engage with minorities, especially the Serb community in the north, as well as ensure a functional and effective government after a long period of democratic uncertainty.
"This would transform Kosovo into a 'grown-up' European state," Petritsch concluded.
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