Milanovic is visiting Kosovo for two days on December 23-24 on the invitation of President Vjosa Osmani. At a press conference he called Kosovo a stable country that could learn from the mistakes and experiences of others. He added that Croatia supported Kosovo on its path to European integration and to more international recognition . 

Milanovic was welcomed with high state ceremonies by President Osmani. He was also due to meet Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

“My recommendation is for Kosovo to look at other experiences and not make mistakes, but to focus on itself. Kosovo is a country that can be integrated very quickly in many organizations,” Milanovic said.

Regarding the controversial “Open Balkan” initiative, which only Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia have joined, he said it makes no sense if Kosovo is treated in an unequal way to other countries.

“If the initiative has good intentions, you should probably take it into account, provided that all states are treated the same. If it is the opposite, then one should ask what the motives are,” Milanovic added.

He also gave strong support for recognition of Kosovo’s independence, proclaimed in 2008, adding that Serbia should also recognize it.

“I do not understand countries that do not recognize Kosovo and will do my best to influence the recognition of Kosovo. We do not have a war in Kosovo, this country is peaceful,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Osmani said people of Kosovo were grateful to Croatia, which had stayed close to Kosovo in the most difficult moments.

“I express my gratitude to the Croatian state for the contingent of vaccines sent when the state of Kosovo was in short supply. Our country has made it clear that Kosovo wants to join Euro-Atlantic structures, so we appreciate the assistance of Croatia in this regard,” Osmani said.

Regarding the Open Balkan initiative, Osmani said that it violated the basic principles of inclusion and equal treatment. She added that given Serbia’s key role in the project, it could not be expected to have good intentions for Kosovo.

“This initiative that started in Novi Sad [Serbia] has violated  two basic principles of regional cooperation, the principle of inclusion and equal training. Kosovo has concerns about the goals that Serbia has in this initiative. Kosovo has made it clear that the only alternative is to be part of the Berlin process,” Osmani, referencing the German-led initiative to forge closer EU-Balkan ties.

Milanovic also held a meeting with the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca.

On the second day of his stay, Milanovic was due to visit Croatian soldiers in the international peacekeeping force KFOR with whom he will spend Christmas Eve. Croatia has 141 members in Kosovo. President Milanovic escorted them on November 22, when members of the Croatian Army traveled to Kosovo for a six-month mission.

The President’s itinerary also includes Janjevo, the village that is home to an ancient Croatian community, where Milanovic will meet Fr Mato Palic, a Croatian priest, and members of the Croatian community.