EC: Kosovo heading for EU

“We have two states that are not officially part of the (stabilization and association) process. Firstly Serbia, which has signed the agreement that won’t be applied until full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal is achieved, and Kosovo,“

That messege is clear and I am preaty sure that he was not in Kosova as a private person))

Come on Serbia don't waste more time for the sake of your own people move towards REACE PEACE WITH KOSOVA. Some hints recognise your neighbours, free movement of people, goods, mutual respect of minorities on both sides...and both countries join the EU.

Mircea,

You must have tweisted the list a little bit. The real list goes like this.

1.Croatia
2.Albania
3.Macedonia
4.Bosnia
5.Montenegro
6.Kosovo
7.Serbia


Albania is long far ahead of Serbia. Albania and Croatia is the most devolepment nations in Balkan right now and are making great changes. Both countrys got in Nato and are waiting for EU-memebership. Serbia can only join if it finds Mladic and reconize Kosovo.

It's not like Serbia is entering the Eu with Kosovo. The only way Serbia can enter the EU is without Kosovo and it is somthing that the people of Serbia has to accept.

B92

"...stressing that the province...."

I do not understand what means "province", as we know for fact that Kosovo, is a state, accepted from the most powerfull states in the world, those states which Serbia, AGAIN, send the ambasadors back, as a reader of B92, I really want an explanation, why still "province" and why still "Kosovo status"?
Both those descriptions, do not go well with the reality after Februar, 17 2008.

Adam

I think you just insulted Croatia by comparing Albanian development with Croatian. I don’t know have you ever been to Croatia or Serbia for that matter.

Believe me, Albania cannot come close to Croatia and Serbia in the next 50 years taking all parameters into consideration.

I have not visited Albania, but what I have seen recently in TV in some BBC’s document on Albania, it really made me cry.

Joining NATO is not any indicator of development but merely NATO’s desperate need to take as much as possible young soldiers (from poorer countries) in order to recruit them and send to never ending missions in Afghanistan or Iraq and die instead of Americans, Brits, Germans and so on.

If you however think this is an honour for you or any other nation waiting to join this freaking, murderous and criminal organization, then I have nothing else left to say but to congratulate you for such an enormous “developmental” success.

A so called kosovo state is a failure and this will be a big embarrasment for the US & EU

"Kosovo is de facto on the EU stabilization and association process, says EC Director for the Balkans Pierre Mirel."

take note of the words "DE FACTO"

Several countries in EU has not even recognized Kosovo as a state. Greece, Spain and Slovakia said they will not recognize Kosovo until a formal agreement is reached with Belgrade, which will not happen until the parallel institutions in Pristina gets their asses to the negotiation table. Education level is below European standards. Rights for ethnic minorities are not respected. Corruption is worst in Europe. Organized crime is worst in Europe. Custom production is non existent. Kosovo will never fulfill the requirements needed to get candidate status. If EU accepts Kosovo anyway it will be as a "special case". A black hole where they can pour money that doesn't do any good is indeed special.

Adam, you're the one dreaming if you believe Albania is on the same level as Croatia. To wake you up, here are the countries (+Kosovo) sorted by their 2007 gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year divided by the average population for the same year):

Croatia $15,500
Serbia $10,400
Montenegro $3,800 (WB: $10,225)
Macedonia $8,500
Bosnia $7,000
Albania $6,300
Kosovo $1,800

Since there are three different sets of numbers available (IMF,WB,CIA) I used everybody's favorite CIA World Factbook because they were the only ones to include Kosovo and their figures were pretty much in line with the other two (although their Montenegro number was quite strange, so I included the World Bank figure for Montenegro as well).

Before somebody else replies that this and this country is on the same level or better off then another country, include some data to back up your assumptions.

since Albania and Kosovo will not be ready to join the EU until 2050 or even later.
(Mircea, 13 September 2008 11:58)

Mircea the real miracle was the entry of Romania in EU- and it was only thanks to the geo-strategic matter not because you are ready for that.

however, you should at least remember your own story for entering in EU: the road goes through NATO. Hence, Adam's list is much more reliable. Although I think that Serbia and Kosova will enter the same time.

You should come to Albania to see for yourself and I am sure your sadnes will come to an end. I have visited Belgrade and I can guarantee you are not having a better life than us here in Tirana. Come see for yourself. Do not get the wrong impression from films made long time ago. Or is it that you see what you want to see and you hear what you want to hear?

Let's get it straight. Economically Serbia is ahead of Albania at the moment with ALBANIA moving at a faster pace ahead. But if Serbia is to get to the EU ahead of Albania the recognition of Kosova as a seperate state will be a precondition. There is no way for Serbia making the EU without that recognition. After that anything can happen.

>> "Before somebody else replies that this and this country is on the same level or better off then another country, include some data to back up your assumptions"

Slav, Albanian has a gray economy that may reach 50% (even the CIA data says so) so Albania and Serbia are about even.

To Mircea:
"Albania may soon become the new mecca for Israeli real-estate developers. Over the past 10 years, Eastern and Central Europe has become the playground of local real-estate operators who have promoted real-estate projects in most of the countries behind the former iron curtain....The government has instituted a fiscal and regulatory regime that is favorable to investors, and Israeli real-estate operators are taking advantage of the opportunities. "
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1221034887020&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

If you have the right laws, right area (coastline that is) it doesn't take much to build them. Stop bashing Albania for no reason, read a little first. Albania within 5 years will be a major success and will lend a hand to our brothers in Kosova.

"Believe me, Albania cannot come close to Croatia and Serbia in the next 50 years taking all parameters into consideration.
"

Since you are bashing Albania:
-Economy is growing at 6% a year.
- GDP /PPP is the same as Serbia if you add the Gray economy (~50%)
- The beautiful 300 mile coast will start development in the next 1-3 years.

- Electricity problem will be gone by 2009
- Joins NATO next year
- 4000 km of roads next years alone with no EU money
- $1 Billion budget increase for 2009

2050? In five years we will officially surpass Serbia and probably croatia too.

Mircea, stop stealing EU money, or they will cut the EU funds that are making you rich.

"EC: Kosovo heading for EU"

Yes. As a Protectorate. Not as a state.

Reading the comments one realizes why the Western Balkans are out of the EU and will stay out for a long long time!
Guys, EU is not about competition, it is about cooperation! EU is not about racing in front of your neighbour, it is about running hand in hand with your neighbours! It is not a took to settle old scores! It is about to let bygones be bygones! That's why one of the requirements to join the EU is NOT to have any open quarrels with your neighbours!
Macedonia must make up withy Greece, Serbia with Albania. Only then the doors of the EU will be opened for the region!

Kufr

You seem very informed with tody's politis,or i am guessing you got a gift in predicting the future.

Education level is below European standards. Rights for ethnic minorities are not respected. Corruption is worst in Europe. Organized crime is worst in Europe.

well than, there is no hope for us Kosovars, thanks for opening my eyes.I am sure all this things you just pointed out to us,they are non existent in serbia or in any other country in Balkans.All of us in ballkans are very educated, we love our neighburs, respect others,we solve problems on the table not with bullets,thats why europe wants to join with all Ballkan states and be one family.I say, we say no to europian countrys they are to primitive to join with our big happy ballkan family what do you think? Ta

(bmrusila


There is no big difference between Croatia and Albania. The people on the ground are still poor on both sides. I'v been to Croatia and the people there make their living on the tourism. Croatia got no big companies or industri factorys. Albania economic grown each year are 6-8 %. Big companies are growing in Albania and the infrastructur is devolping very drastic. Albania still got the tourism wich have grown because more Kosovars,Serbs and Macedonians are visting. In one year or two the albanian tourism will be the center of the adriatic sea. It is just the start right now.

For Serbia there is still a far way to EU. In difference from Albania and Croatia Serbia still got some internal problems and are not really on EU's side. Their are at the crossroad between West and East. Their country is in the west but their mind and influance is in the East. Do you want to be a member of EU you have to find Mladic and reconize Kosovo. But if you want to (try) to keep Kosovo then stick to the East. But will Russia support you all the way ? hmm ?!!


The differnce is that Albania and Croatia got a big chance to be EU-member states. Serbia on the other hand have to let go of Kosovo and to catch Mladic to wreally have a chance like Albania and Croatia.


So Serbia is far away. Like a lifetime if you dont reconize the new independent Republic of Kosovo.

(Serb Allay)
A so called kosovo state is a failure and this will be a big embarrasment for the US & EU

Maybe you should be saying in my opinion.Sorry but i cant help but notice how sure of yourself you are,just a friendly advice.But i dont belive you anyway.Thanks.

Mircea and the rest of you.. I had a friend from Croatia, Split actually just visited Albania,, and ask him what you think,, he said,, i was suprised,, i had a different approach of Albania ... you guys are way better then people think in Croatia. It is true.. If you go to Albania you will be suprised. Just visit the main cities and see it yourself,, albania is booming... Albania will be the ritches country in south balkan by 2020 and i can almost guarantee you for that.

I think the countries of the Western Balkans will join the EU in the following order:

1. CROATIA
2. MACEDONIA
3. MONTENEGRO
4. SERBIA
5. BOSNIA
6. ALBANIA
7. KOSOVO

There is a possibility that Serbia might block the accession of Albania and Kosovo to the EU. The EU might decide that Serbia, Albania and Kosovo should join the EU at the same time. This would be bad news for Serbia, since Albania and Kosovo will not be ready to join the EU until 2050 or even later.

For Dashnori i Satam,

You are confusing Romania with Bulgaria. Bulgaria is the one having problems managing EU funds.

For Dashnori i Satam and all Albanians:

You Albanians should stop dreaming!! Albania will not be ready to join the EU in 2015. Albania will probably join the EU with Kosovo in 2050.

to PD from NL (Netherlands?)
if you are from the Netherlands and are anti-Albanian (probably because there are many Muslims) I want to say this to you:
The Albanians and the Greeks are the original inhabitants of the Balkans. There is no mention of Albanian arriving in the Balkan Peninsula whereas the Romans' and the Slavs' arrival is documented. The Albanian nation is a lot older than the Dutch nation. Even now the English language calls the Netherlanders Dutch (i.e. Germans). I saw a dictionary on the internet a few years ago that was for sale, a German-Dutch dictionary from the beginning of the 19th century with the name: Hochduitsch-Nederduitsch woordenboek (High German-Low German dictionary, instead of Duitsch-Nederlandsch woordenboek) in which Low German means Dutch unlike the Low German of today which is not Dutch. Apparently your nation is only 200 years old whereas the Albanian nation is at least 2000 years old. You should have more respect for a nation 10 times older than yours.

Mircea

I think Macedonia is behind Serbia and Montenegro, they compare more to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ben and Adam

You guys can't seriously believe that Croatia and Albania are equal! Having been to Croatia, I can say that Croatia compares to countries like Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. Albania I have not been to, but based on statistics, Albania isalmost three times poorer. Mircea's list is quite correct, apart from Macedonia being at number 2.

Viti i Balit,

I am well aware that the conditions for entering EU are not fulfilled in Serbia either. But Serbia is moving fast in the right direction. Organized crime and corruption is widespread but the police are doing their utmost to fight it. The difference is that in Kosovo nobody fights it, crime has gone so far it's been institutionalized. If the Serbian police were allowed to operate in Kosovo they would fight organized crime there too and be twice as effective in bringing down the criminal enterprises over the whole territory.

If comparing the situation in Serbia with other countries in the region I would say Serbia is slightly ahead of Bulgaria and slightly behind Croatia when it comes to fulfilling the EU conditions. It is in fact strange that Bulgaria was allowed to enter EU so soon, before fulfilling all conditions. But now when they are in EU is pushing Bulgaria hard to do much more to fight corruption.

Adam, Serbia do not need to recognize Kosovo to enter EU. This is a promise that has been given to Serbia several times. If EU changes their mind on this matter I assure you EU will get the middle finger.

As an EU citizen, I hope my country will do the right thing and give us, the ordinary people, a voice in whether or not to let Albania and Kosovo into the EU, in the form of a referendum.

I want to vote a resounding No.

This is a none-story for a stalled topic. Kosovo is so far from joining the EU as a member, that it is even silly to comment. First of all, Kosovo is not legally a state, so it will join under what name? Just because some powerful Western nations have recognized Albanians claim to an Albanian independent Kosovo, does not make it a state. There is something called "Law". And we still need to see what the outcome of that will be. World politics can change overnight. Energy is such an important issue today that sways every nation's politics. Let's see how the Western supporters of an Albanian, Serb-free, Kosovo nation is justified. With the change of the old guard in DC, this may prove difficult. But let's see what happens, before we put the cart in front of the donkey.

For Adam and ben:

Albania must first obtain EU candidate status before joining the EU.

ADAM,

How can you put Albania before Macedonia and Montenegro? Don't forget that MACEDONIA is an EU candidate state!! MONTENEGRO will soon obtain EU candidate status.

Macedonia and Montenegro are ahead of Albania!!!

I have a question for you. When will Albania receive EU candidate status?

Ben,

You should not be surprised that Romania succeeded in joining the EU in January 2007. Romania joined the EU because the country has great potential. Romania is a market of 23 million people and has a well educated labor force. Romania will record one of the highest rates of economic growth in the EU this year ( between 8% and 9% in 2008) Romania is attracting more and more foreign investors each year. Many multinational companies are choosing to invest in Romania.

I've heard its not really safe to wisit Albania if your Serbian and saw pictures of Albanian coast lines not too many beaches all I saw was some rocky mountains, And the streets and roads are a mess thanks but i'd rather go visit Montenegro again.

So my dear commentators and friends looks like we have come to conclusion that Serbia can't join EU if they don't recognize Kosovo, If you ask me that doesn't make any sence . Does that mean EU will expel other countries because they wont recognized Kosovo?

First we had to deliver Milosevic to the Hague then EU says we have to arrest 6 or 7 other fugitives then they have recognized Kosovo and some want to condition Serbia on Kosovo and now we have to deliver Mladic the one of the most wanted fugitives on this planet, does that mean that EU is doing everything in their power just to prevent Serbia from joining.

Well, I wish you all the best and , I hope that one day if we all join EU it will be much safer to wisit Albania.

Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia will never join EU. Serbia's accesion will be vetoed by the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence since Serbia will want to join the EU with Kosovo inside. Kosovo cannot join the EU since it has no UN seat. Macedonia's accession will be vetoed by Greece.
On another note, shame on all the Romanians who are supporting the Serbs against the Albanians. I have travelled to Serbia a few weeks from Negotin to Belgrad through Majdanpek and I have met Romanians almost all the way (until Pozarevac).I asked them if they were Romanians and they replied that they were. Mind you, they didn't say they were Vlachs as the Serbs call them.
P.S. When I returned through Donji Milanovac I heard Romanian folk music sung at the local bus station loudspeakers.
P.S.2 These Russians are really stupid for still supporting Serbia considering that the pro-Western Serbian government does whatever it takes to obstruct Russian investments in Serbia.

"Kosovo is heading for EU"?
Another magnificent reason for Serbia not to go in that direction.

Don't worry Serbia. Your president has promised that his government will not allow this to happen. And, as we all know, he has the power to decide such things and would never, never lie about it - would he?

wow! :)

I knew right from the start, that this article will lead our dear k-albanian friends to frenzy... :)

but, honestly, do you believe that?

have you ever heard of this man before? come on, be honest to yourselves!

you know it better. there is no state "kosovo". it is an autonomous province, legally an integral part of Serbia, and there is nothing in sight that could change that.

let´s just see what future brings...

I am quite confident, not only because of the possibility of a ruling of the ICJ in favor of international law and therefore in favor of Serbia...

but even without that, time is working for Serbia.

@Mircea:
Just to say something to you mate. We all know Bulgaria and Romania are part of EU but are they? Are they really as equal as the other countries of EU? Why aren't romanians allowed to come to the UK? Joining the EU it's not only about economics. It's about fighting organized crime, corruption, making vital reforms and respecting human rights. Kosovo is far from joing EU but trust me my friend Albania is just around the corner. In Albania we don't care whos muslim and whos christians we all are the same, we're albanians. Being a muslim in Serbia or in Greece it's a bit diferent.

Fantastic news!
Considering the state of the economy, civil rights, absence of any corruption, no territorial dispute with its neighbors, secularism of the society, developed infrastructure etc... I am quite surprised why Kosovo is not already an EU member.
Anyhow,my guess is no later than 2009, worst case scenario.
EU will benefit from membership of this newest country and all it has to offer to the EU society and its core values.
And so should Georgia - although it is an Asian country.

Mircea ?
Sorry mate i have a bad news for Romania and Bulgaria by year 2010 out off EU

Skimming past the dozen or so comical comments here I would like to ask one question for my dear friend bganon. :)

What will DS do now? ... your going to have to realize that Kostunica was right all along and Tadic was full of it or at least "mislead" if you want to save some face. The sooner you do the sooner we will settle this Kosovo conundrum.

And Albania ahead? Of who a snail? Get real...

Fortza EU

Kosovo is not a member of the EU because the economy compares to that of an African country instead of a European one, sorry to say.

rocky london

Bulgaria and Romania cannot be kicked out of the EU. Who would they take in their place? Albania? Moldova? The EU is about standards.

"As an EU citizen, I hope my country will do the right thing and give us, the ordinary people, a voice in whether or not to let Albania and Kosovo into the EU, in the form of a referendum. "

another knee-jerk comments. Whatever you think the Albanians are, you probably are 10 times worse. Open your eyes and enough with the hate. As 'Romanian' reminbed you, Albanians have been here through thin and thick for 2000+ years, most of them alone, with no partners and still survived. That is no small feat and that's why don't care when some people hate us.

You can see the criterias for EU in particular in this passage: “Serbia has a place in the European family of nations, but that place doesn’t just depend on political, economic and cultural matters, but is closely interwoven with respect for European values, European conceptions of a legal state, and respect for human rights,” he underlined".- Miliband.

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=96&start=0&nav_id=53447

nobody will bring W Balkans riches only hard honest work will,and for the last 6-7 years Albania is a living proof of that.and as to why Albania is not yet an EU candidate?well Albania has decided to apply for candidacy in 2009 as a realistic target for more reforms to take place,and it has no other problems like war criminals or border disputes so pending more reforms Albania should be an EU candidate in 2009 and join EU not long after.

Romanian:" Mind you, they didn't say they were Vlachs as the Serbs call them."

Vlach, for reasons that I find hard to understand, is considered a pejorative term! Yet all of the latin language inhabitant south of the Carpatien mountains were called Vlach, those morth of them - Moldavian. Romanian was something like Yugoslavian - collective term! But as you see, nationality is a concept that evelves.
That is the great idea of the EU. To allow people all through the contionent, no matter where they live to be what they want to be without a fear of being treated as disloyal!

Mircea the real miracle was the entry of Romania in EU- and it was only thanks to the geo-strategic matter not because you are ready for that.

however, you should at least remember your own story for entering in EU: the road goes through NATO. Hence, Adam's list is much more reliable. Although I think that Serbia and Kosova will enter the same time.
(ben, 13 September 2008 14:26)

Romania's economy is the fastest growing in EUrope right now, at an estimated 9%, way better than some exhausted slobbish economies like the UK or Italy for example.
Kosovo will not join if it is not recognized by all EU states. If Cyprus alone stands in the way of recognition, it cannot join and that's final. Serbia will have problems joining early too, of course.

My list of likelihood of joining.
1. Croatia
2. Montenegro
3. Albania
4. Macedonia
5. Bosnia
6. Serbia
7. Kosovo

Serbia in EU without Kosovo recognition?

Yeah, all those US allies in the EU will be glad to sign Serbia's SAA papers even if Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo.

Of course, that will happen in the Red Heart's Royal Palace at a location known to us all as Alice's Wonderland.

The true fact, last week i spend 4 days to find -car insurance- where i can get a GREN CARD for Serbia Montenegro Albania and Macedonia.
Result = Albania and Macedonia only.
So pls Montenegro wake up

I think the countries of the Western Balkans will join the EU in the following order:

1. CROATIA
2. MACEDONIA
3. MONTENEGRO
4. SERBIA
5. BOSNIA
6. ALBANIA
7. KOSOVO

There is a possibility that Serbia might block the accession of Albania and Kosovo to the EU. The EU might decide that Serbia, Albania and Kosovo should join the EU at the same time. This would be bad news for Serbia, since Albania and Kosovo will not be ready to join the EU until 2050 or even later.

Mircea,

You must have tweisted the list a little bit. The real list goes like this.

1.Croatia
2.Albania
3.Macedonia
4.Bosnia
5.Montenegro
6.Kosovo
7.Serbia


Albania is long far ahead of Serbia. Albania and Croatia is the most devolepment nations in Balkan right now and are making great changes. Both countrys got in Nato and are waiting for EU-memebership. Serbia can only join if it finds Mladic and reconize Kosovo.

It's not like Serbia is entering the Eu with Kosovo. The only way Serbia can enter the EU is without Kosovo and it is somthing that the people of Serbia has to accept.

since Albania and Kosovo will not be ready to join the EU until 2050 or even later.
(Mircea, 13 September 2008 11:58)

Mircea the real miracle was the entry of Romania in EU- and it was only thanks to the geo-strategic matter not because you are ready for that.

however, you should at least remember your own story for entering in EU: the road goes through NATO. Hence, Adam's list is much more reliable. Although I think that Serbia and Kosova will enter the same time.

“We have two states that are not officially part of the (stabilization and association) process. Firstly Serbia, which has signed the agreement that won’t be applied until full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal is achieved, and Kosovo,“

That messege is clear and I am preaty sure that he was not in Kosova as a private person))

Come on Serbia don't waste more time for the sake of your own people move towards REACE PEACE WITH KOSOVA. Some hints recognise your neighbours, free movement of people, goods, mutual respect of minorities on both sides...and both countries join the EU.

You should come to Albania to see for yourself and I am sure your sadnes will come to an end. I have visited Belgrade and I can guarantee you are not having a better life than us here in Tirana. Come see for yourself. Do not get the wrong impression from films made long time ago. Or is it that you see what you want to see and you hear what you want to hear?

B92

"...stressing that the province...."

I do not understand what means "province", as we know for fact that Kosovo, is a state, accepted from the most powerfull states in the world, those states which Serbia, AGAIN, send the ambasadors back, as a reader of B92, I really want an explanation, why still "province" and why still "Kosovo status"?
Both those descriptions, do not go well with the reality after Februar, 17 2008.

(Serb Allay)
A so called kosovo state is a failure and this will be a big embarrasment for the US & EU

Maybe you should be saying in my opinion.Sorry but i cant help but notice how sure of yourself you are,just a friendly advice.But i dont belive you anyway.Thanks.

(bmrusila


There is no big difference between Croatia and Albania. The people on the ground are still poor on both sides. I'v been to Croatia and the people there make their living on the tourism. Croatia got no big companies or industri factorys. Albania economic grown each year are 6-8 %. Big companies are growing in Albania and the infrastructur is devolping very drastic. Albania still got the tourism wich have grown because more Kosovars,Serbs and Macedonians are visting. In one year or two the albanian tourism will be the center of the adriatic sea. It is just the start right now.

For Serbia there is still a far way to EU. In difference from Albania and Croatia Serbia still got some internal problems and are not really on EU's side. Their are at the crossroad between West and East. Their country is in the west but their mind and influance is in the East. Do you want to be a member of EU you have to find Mladic and reconize Kosovo. But if you want to (try) to keep Kosovo then stick to the East. But will Russia support you all the way ? hmm ?!!


The differnce is that Albania and Croatia got a big chance to be EU-member states. Serbia on the other hand have to let go of Kosovo and to catch Mladic to wreally have a chance like Albania and Croatia.


So Serbia is far away. Like a lifetime if you dont reconize the new independent Republic of Kosovo.

Kufr

You seem very informed with tody's politis,or i am guessing you got a gift in predicting the future.

Education level is below European standards. Rights for ethnic minorities are not respected. Corruption is worst in Europe. Organized crime is worst in Europe.

well than, there is no hope for us Kosovars, thanks for opening my eyes.I am sure all this things you just pointed out to us,they are non existent in serbia or in any other country in Balkans.All of us in ballkans are very educated, we love our neighburs, respect others,we solve problems on the table not with bullets,thats why europe wants to join with all Ballkan states and be one family.I say, we say no to europian countrys they are to primitive to join with our big happy ballkan family what do you think? Ta

Mircea

I think Macedonia is behind Serbia and Montenegro, they compare more to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ben and Adam

You guys can't seriously believe that Croatia and Albania are equal! Having been to Croatia, I can say that Croatia compares to countries like Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. Albania I have not been to, but based on statistics, Albania isalmost three times poorer. Mircea's list is quite correct, apart from Macedonia being at number 2.

"Believe me, Albania cannot come close to Croatia and Serbia in the next 50 years taking all parameters into consideration.
"

Since you are bashing Albania:
-Economy is growing at 6% a year.
- GDP /PPP is the same as Serbia if you add the Gray economy (~50%)
- The beautiful 300 mile coast will start development in the next 1-3 years.

- Electricity problem will be gone by 2009
- Joins NATO next year
- 4000 km of roads next years alone with no EU money
- $1 Billion budget increase for 2009

2050? In five years we will officially surpass Serbia and probably croatia too.

Mircea, stop stealing EU money, or they will cut the EU funds that are making you rich.

For Dashnori i Satam,

You are confusing Romania with Bulgaria. Bulgaria is the one having problems managing EU funds.

For Dashnori i Satam and all Albanians:

You Albanians should stop dreaming!! Albania will not be ready to join the EU in 2015. Albania will probably join the EU with Kosovo in 2050.

to PD from NL (Netherlands?)
if you are from the Netherlands and are anti-Albanian (probably because there are many Muslims) I want to say this to you:
The Albanians and the Greeks are the original inhabitants of the Balkans. There is no mention of Albanian arriving in the Balkan Peninsula whereas the Romans' and the Slavs' arrival is documented. The Albanian nation is a lot older than the Dutch nation. Even now the English language calls the Netherlanders Dutch (i.e. Germans). I saw a dictionary on the internet a few years ago that was for sale, a German-Dutch dictionary from the beginning of the 19th century with the name: Hochduitsch-Nederduitsch woordenboek (High German-Low German dictionary, instead of Duitsch-Nederlandsch woordenboek) in which Low German means Dutch unlike the Low German of today which is not Dutch. Apparently your nation is only 200 years old whereas the Albanian nation is at least 2000 years old. You should have more respect for a nation 10 times older than yours.

Several countries in EU has not even recognized Kosovo as a state. Greece, Spain and Slovakia said they will not recognize Kosovo until a formal agreement is reached with Belgrade, which will not happen until the parallel institutions in Pristina gets their asses to the negotiation table. Education level is below European standards. Rights for ethnic minorities are not respected. Corruption is worst in Europe. Organized crime is worst in Europe. Custom production is non existent. Kosovo will never fulfill the requirements needed to get candidate status. If EU accepts Kosovo anyway it will be as a "special case". A black hole where they can pour money that doesn't do any good is indeed special.

For Adam and ben:

Albania must first obtain EU candidate status before joining the EU.

ADAM,

How can you put Albania before Macedonia and Montenegro? Don't forget that MACEDONIA is an EU candidate state!! MONTENEGRO will soon obtain EU candidate status.

Macedonia and Montenegro are ahead of Albania!!!

I have a question for you. When will Albania receive EU candidate status?

Ben,

You should not be surprised that Romania succeeded in joining the EU in January 2007. Romania joined the EU because the country has great potential. Romania is a market of 23 million people and has a well educated labor force. Romania will record one of the highest rates of economic growth in the EU this year ( between 8% and 9% in 2008) Romania is attracting more and more foreign investors each year. Many multinational companies are choosing to invest in Romania.

"EC: Kosovo heading for EU"

Yes. As a Protectorate. Not as a state.

Let's get it straight. Economically Serbia is ahead of Albania at the moment with ALBANIA moving at a faster pace ahead. But if Serbia is to get to the EU ahead of Albania the recognition of Kosova as a seperate state will be a precondition. There is no way for Serbia making the EU without that recognition. After that anything can happen.

@Mircea:
Just to say something to you mate. We all know Bulgaria and Romania are part of EU but are they? Are they really as equal as the other countries of EU? Why aren't romanians allowed to come to the UK? Joining the EU it's not only about economics. It's about fighting organized crime, corruption, making vital reforms and respecting human rights. Kosovo is far from joing EU but trust me my friend Albania is just around the corner. In Albania we don't care whos muslim and whos christians we all are the same, we're albanians. Being a muslim in Serbia or in Greece it's a bit diferent.

A so called kosovo state is a failure and this will be a big embarrasment for the US & EU

Adam

I think you just insulted Croatia by comparing Albanian development with Croatian. I don’t know have you ever been to Croatia or Serbia for that matter.

Believe me, Albania cannot come close to Croatia and Serbia in the next 50 years taking all parameters into consideration.

I have not visited Albania, but what I have seen recently in TV in some BBC’s document on Albania, it really made me cry.

Joining NATO is not any indicator of development but merely NATO’s desperate need to take as much as possible young soldiers (from poorer countries) in order to recruit them and send to never ending missions in Afghanistan or Iraq and die instead of Americans, Brits, Germans and so on.

If you however think this is an honour for you or any other nation waiting to join this freaking, murderous and criminal organization, then I have nothing else left to say but to congratulate you for such an enormous “developmental” success.

>> "Before somebody else replies that this and this country is on the same level or better off then another country, include some data to back up your assumptions"

Slav, Albanian has a gray economy that may reach 50% (even the CIA data says so) so Albania and Serbia are about even.

To Mircea:
"Albania may soon become the new mecca for Israeli real-estate developers. Over the past 10 years, Eastern and Central Europe has become the playground of local real-estate operators who have promoted real-estate projects in most of the countries behind the former iron curtain....The government has instituted a fiscal and regulatory regime that is favorable to investors, and Israeli real-estate operators are taking advantage of the opportunities. "
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1221034887020&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

If you have the right laws, right area (coastline that is) it doesn't take much to build them. Stop bashing Albania for no reason, read a little first. Albania within 5 years will be a major success and will lend a hand to our brothers in Kosova.

Viti i Balit,

I am well aware that the conditions for entering EU are not fulfilled in Serbia either. But Serbia is moving fast in the right direction. Organized crime and corruption is widespread but the police are doing their utmost to fight it. The difference is that in Kosovo nobody fights it, crime has gone so far it's been institutionalized. If the Serbian police were allowed to operate in Kosovo they would fight organized crime there too and be twice as effective in bringing down the criminal enterprises over the whole territory.

If comparing the situation in Serbia with other countries in the region I would say Serbia is slightly ahead of Bulgaria and slightly behind Croatia when it comes to fulfilling the EU conditions. It is in fact strange that Bulgaria was allowed to enter EU so soon, before fulfilling all conditions. But now when they are in EU is pushing Bulgaria hard to do much more to fight corruption.

Adam, Serbia do not need to recognize Kosovo to enter EU. This is a promise that has been given to Serbia several times. If EU changes their mind on this matter I assure you EU will get the middle finger.

You can see the criterias for EU in particular in this passage: “Serbia has a place in the European family of nations, but that place doesn’t just depend on political, economic and cultural matters, but is closely interwoven with respect for European values, European conceptions of a legal state, and respect for human rights,” he underlined".- Miliband.

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=96&start=0&nav_id=53447

"Kosovo is de facto on the EU stabilization and association process, says EC Director for the Balkans Pierre Mirel."

take note of the words "DE FACTO"

Adam, you're the one dreaming if you believe Albania is on the same level as Croatia. To wake you up, here are the countries (+Kosovo) sorted by their 2007 gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year divided by the average population for the same year):

Croatia $15,500
Serbia $10,400
Montenegro $3,800 (WB: $10,225)
Macedonia $8,500
Bosnia $7,000
Albania $6,300
Kosovo $1,800

Since there are three different sets of numbers available (IMF,WB,CIA) I used everybody's favorite CIA World Factbook because they were the only ones to include Kosovo and their figures were pretty much in line with the other two (although their Montenegro number was quite strange, so I included the World Bank figure for Montenegro as well).

Before somebody else replies that this and this country is on the same level or better off then another country, include some data to back up your assumptions.

Mircea ?
Sorry mate i have a bad news for Romania and Bulgaria by year 2010 out off EU

Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia will never join EU. Serbia's accesion will be vetoed by the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence since Serbia will want to join the EU with Kosovo inside. Kosovo cannot join the EU since it has no UN seat. Macedonia's accession will be vetoed by Greece.
On another note, shame on all the Romanians who are supporting the Serbs against the Albanians. I have travelled to Serbia a few weeks from Negotin to Belgrad through Majdanpek and I have met Romanians almost all the way (until Pozarevac).I asked them if they were Romanians and they replied that they were. Mind you, they didn't say they were Vlachs as the Serbs call them.
P.S. When I returned through Donji Milanovac I heard Romanian folk music sung at the local bus station loudspeakers.
P.S.2 These Russians are really stupid for still supporting Serbia considering that the pro-Western Serbian government does whatever it takes to obstruct Russian investments in Serbia.

nobody will bring W Balkans riches only hard honest work will,and for the last 6-7 years Albania is a living proof of that.and as to why Albania is not yet an EU candidate?well Albania has decided to apply for candidacy in 2009 as a realistic target for more reforms to take place,and it has no other problems like war criminals or border disputes so pending more reforms Albania should be an EU candidate in 2009 and join EU not long after.

"As an EU citizen, I hope my country will do the right thing and give us, the ordinary people, a voice in whether or not to let Albania and Kosovo into the EU, in the form of a referendum. "

another knee-jerk comments. Whatever you think the Albanians are, you probably are 10 times worse. Open your eyes and enough with the hate. As 'Romanian' reminbed you, Albanians have been here through thin and thick for 2000+ years, most of them alone, with no partners and still survived. That is no small feat and that's why don't care when some people hate us.

Don't worry Serbia. Your president has promised that his government will not allow this to happen. And, as we all know, he has the power to decide such things and would never, never lie about it - would he?

Mircea and the rest of you.. I had a friend from Croatia, Split actually just visited Albania,, and ask him what you think,, he said,, i was suprised,, i had a different approach of Albania ... you guys are way better then people think in Croatia. It is true.. If you go to Albania you will be suprised. Just visit the main cities and see it yourself,, albania is booming... Albania will be the ritches country in south balkan by 2020 and i can almost guarantee you for that.

This is a none-story for a stalled topic. Kosovo is so far from joining the EU as a member, that it is even silly to comment. First of all, Kosovo is not legally a state, so it will join under what name? Just because some powerful Western nations have recognized Albanians claim to an Albanian independent Kosovo, does not make it a state. There is something called "Law". And we still need to see what the outcome of that will be. World politics can change overnight. Energy is such an important issue today that sways every nation's politics. Let's see how the Western supporters of an Albanian, Serb-free, Kosovo nation is justified. With the change of the old guard in DC, this may prove difficult. But let's see what happens, before we put the cart in front of the donkey.

Romanian:" Mind you, they didn't say they were Vlachs as the Serbs call them."

Vlach, for reasons that I find hard to understand, is considered a pejorative term! Yet all of the latin language inhabitant south of the Carpatien mountains were called Vlach, those morth of them - Moldavian. Romanian was something like Yugoslavian - collective term! But as you see, nationality is a concept that evelves.
That is the great idea of the EU. To allow people all through the contionent, no matter where they live to be what they want to be without a fear of being treated as disloyal!

Fantastic news!
Considering the state of the economy, civil rights, absence of any corruption, no territorial dispute with its neighbors, secularism of the society, developed infrastructure etc... I am quite surprised why Kosovo is not already an EU member.
Anyhow,my guess is no later than 2009, worst case scenario.
EU will benefit from membership of this newest country and all it has to offer to the EU society and its core values.
And so should Georgia - although it is an Asian country.

I've heard its not really safe to wisit Albania if your Serbian and saw pictures of Albanian coast lines not too many beaches all I saw was some rocky mountains, And the streets and roads are a mess thanks but i'd rather go visit Montenegro again.

So my dear commentators and friends looks like we have come to conclusion that Serbia can't join EU if they don't recognize Kosovo, If you ask me that doesn't make any sence . Does that mean EU will expel other countries because they wont recognized Kosovo?

First we had to deliver Milosevic to the Hague then EU says we have to arrest 6 or 7 other fugitives then they have recognized Kosovo and some want to condition Serbia on Kosovo and now we have to deliver Mladic the one of the most wanted fugitives on this planet, does that mean that EU is doing everything in their power just to prevent Serbia from joining.

Well, I wish you all the best and , I hope that one day if we all join EU it will be much safer to wisit Albania.

As an EU citizen, I hope my country will do the right thing and give us, the ordinary people, a voice in whether or not to let Albania and Kosovo into the EU, in the form of a referendum.

I want to vote a resounding No.

wow! :)

I knew right from the start, that this article will lead our dear k-albanian friends to frenzy... :)

but, honestly, do you believe that?

have you ever heard of this man before? come on, be honest to yourselves!

you know it better. there is no state "kosovo". it is an autonomous province, legally an integral part of Serbia, and there is nothing in sight that could change that.

let´s just see what future brings...

I am quite confident, not only because of the possibility of a ruling of the ICJ in favor of international law and therefore in favor of Serbia...

but even without that, time is working for Serbia.

Skimming past the dozen or so comical comments here I would like to ask one question for my dear friend bganon. :)

What will DS do now? ... your going to have to realize that Kostunica was right all along and Tadic was full of it or at least "mislead" if you want to save some face. The sooner you do the sooner we will settle this Kosovo conundrum.

And Albania ahead? Of who a snail? Get real...

Fortza EU

Kosovo is not a member of the EU because the economy compares to that of an African country instead of a European one, sorry to say.

rocky london

Bulgaria and Romania cannot be kicked out of the EU. Who would they take in their place? Albania? Moldova? The EU is about standards.

"Kosovo is heading for EU"?
Another magnificent reason for Serbia not to go in that direction.

Mircea the real miracle was the entry of Romania in EU- and it was only thanks to the geo-strategic matter not because you are ready for that.

however, you should at least remember your own story for entering in EU: the road goes through NATO. Hence, Adam's list is much more reliable. Although I think that Serbia and Kosova will enter the same time.
(ben, 13 September 2008 14:26)

Romania's economy is the fastest growing in EUrope right now, at an estimated 9%, way better than some exhausted slobbish economies like the UK or Italy for example.
Kosovo will not join if it is not recognized by all EU states. If Cyprus alone stands in the way of recognition, it cannot join and that's final. Serbia will have problems joining early too, of course.

My list of likelihood of joining.
1. Croatia
2. Montenegro
3. Albania
4. Macedonia
5. Bosnia
6. Serbia
7. Kosovo

The true fact, last week i spend 4 days to find -car insurance- where i can get a GREN CARD for Serbia Montenegro Albania and Macedonia.
Result = Albania and Macedonia only.
So pls Montenegro wake up

Serbia in EU without Kosovo recognition?

Yeah, all those US allies in the EU will be glad to sign Serbia's SAA papers even if Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo.

Of course, that will happen in the Red Heart's Royal Palace at a location known to us all as Alice's Wonderland.

Reading the comments one realizes why the Western Balkans are out of the EU and will stay out for a long long time!
Guys, EU is not about competition, it is about cooperation! EU is not about racing in front of your neighbour, it is about running hand in hand with your neighbours! It is not a took to settle old scores! It is about to let bygones be bygones! That's why one of the requirements to join the EU is NOT to have any open quarrels with your neighbours!
Macedonia must make up withy Greece, Serbia with Albania. Only then the doors of the EU will be opened for the region!