Attitudes and Perceptions of EU Enlargement

“First of all, European integration would mean freedom of movement, so we

Kosovans could travel throughout Europe without visas. You cannot imagine how time consuming it is just to apply for a

visa.”Menduh Abazi, Pristina

EU in Kosovo

• UNMIK EU Pillar• The European Commission Liaison Office• Solana’s Office• European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)• EUPT• STM• EU Integration Office (Agency for European

Integration)

People’s Perception

•Focus on ongoing status talks •Vague awareness that EU integration is important

Kosovo Politicians and the EU

• “Once the final status process is over some time this year, all the efforts of the Kosovo Government will focus on the implementation of its duties to attain EU accession and on harmonizing policies in relation with European integration. EU membership is not a dream that cannot come true. Experience in accomplishing the Standards will help us be more efficient in carrying out accession obligations.”

• -”Kosovo Government today is embracing the same values with the EU; peace, economic development, solidarity and free movement of all the people. And, while we are working on Europeanization of Kosovo and on speeding up the journey of Kosovo towards European Union accession, we need the vision of the youth.” (Prime Minister of Kosovo, Agim Ceku Europe Day)

People’s expectations• Better living conditions

• An improved economy/less unemployment

• Freedom of movement

• More safety

“Economically and socially, European integration would open up new road towards an improved life. Though I don’t believe in the

integration of Kosovo into Europe, at least not in the near future, it is still very significant and necessary if we want more democratic and stable Europe. European integration would provide us with a better

future and more secure prospects.”Albena Zuzaku, Pristina