Dutch Ambassador Robert Bosch Debates With UBT Students
25/02/2014The Faculty of Political Sciences, the Faculty of Media and Communications, and the Law Faculty of the UBT, organized today a debate on the topic “How can Kosovo Speed Up Its EU Integration Process.” Mr. Robert Bosch, Ambassador of Netherlands to the Republic of Kosovo, delivered a lecture on this topic.
Initially, Ambassador Bosch met the dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences and Faculty of Media and Communication, Prof. Dr. Belul Beqaj, and UBT students. Ambassador Bosch spoke about the internal and external hurdles in the process of Kosovo’s integrations. He listed the advantages and common problems related to the European Union enlargement in both political and economic aspects including culture ones.
Mr. Bosch focused on some specific points related to the Kosovo case. He said the changes and development should come from inside, and they should stem from the people of Kosovo, who should understand that it is them who have to insist on joining the EU, but that they need to meet the conditions to be part of the EU.
Even though the Western Balkan countries are bearing some of the consequences of early membership of Bulgaria and Romania, every country has a place in the EU if they meet the required conditions, Ambassador Bosch said. He also noted that in order for EULEX to stay in Kosovo, there has to be a reason and the main one in this case is the rule of law. In this context, he argued that no matter whether Dick Marty’s accusations can be confirmed or not, it is in the interest of Kosovo to take due actions in verify them (for instance through the special court). He noted that said these competences should remain as part of the EULEX, as an EU mission, and there should not be a new UN mission.
The Dutch Ambassador to Kosovo answered to many questions put by professors and students of the UBT and other participants.