Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi emphasized in his speech how proud he feels to represent “the most pro-European population in the region and the most pro-American in Europe”. Concerning the EU he reminded us that “...no one can deny that the EU project has succeeded in its fundamental mission, to preserve peace in its member countries. Therefore, Kosovo, but also the Western Balkans region aspire membership into the EU and NATO. These will be the foundations of peace and security in our region”, Thaçi said.

In his address, Karel Schwarzenberg called upon the EU to have more comprehension  concerning individual phases of development Kosovo is going through. “The Western Balkans should be part of the single European market”, he said and emphasized the importance of membership in organizations like NATO and EU for foreign investments. Isolation leads toward increasing unemployment, instability and radicalization. Karel Schwarzenberg also paid tribute to Ibrahim Rugova for his role and merits.

Schwarzenberg’s presentation attracted immediate interest of participants. In his reaction, vice-chair of the Kosovo Assembly Sabri Hamiti highly appreciated Schwarzenberg’s insight and experience learned in the region within last 30 years, and elaborated the issue of isolation. of Kosovo.

After the official program of the conference, Karel Schwarzenberg visited Monastery in Visoki Decani and met with Archdeacon Father Sava, its Abbot.