Kosovo deepens ties with France and presses NATO membership goal

Acting President Albulena Haxhiu met NATO Allied Joint Force Command commander Admiral George M. Wikoff in Naples, discussing Kosovo’s security needs, cooperation with KFOR and the strategic aim of NATO accession. Prime Minister Albin Kurti hosted French delegate for European affairs Benjamin Haddad in Pristina, where the two sides signed five bilateral agreements. The accords include a €60 million loan from the French Development Agency for infrastructure for the Mediterranean Games Pristina 2030, a framework for French‑Kosovo cooperation on sport, a credit line for investment, and legal‑judicial cooperation on extradition and mutual legal assistance. Kurti highlighted the deals as a concrete step toward deeper Euro‑Atlantic integration, noting French support for Kosovo’s EU and NATO aspirations. The agreements also cover expanding French‑language education in Kosovo schools. French officials described the meeting as the start of a more ambitious partnership, while Kosovo officials said the partnership will bring projects, investments and tangible benefits for citizens.