Kosovo to Apply for EU Membership Within the Year

Flag of Kosovo

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunju Lee] Kosovo is applying to join the European Union (EU).

On the 6th (local time), according to dpa news agency, Vjosa Osmani, President of the small Balkan country Kosovo, mentioned this during the EU and Western Balkans summit held in Tirana, the capital of Albania.

President Osmani said, "I have come here as the leader of the most pro-EU country," and added, "Today, in front of all EU leaders, I will announce that Kosovo will submit its EU membership application by the end of this year."

At the summit, leaders from 27 member countries as well as six Western Balkan countries?Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina?were invited.

Like Kosovo, Serbia also hopes to join the EU. However, due to its strong pro-Russian stance, there is widespread analysis that it is uncertain whether the accession will be successful.