Valedictory interview with Tomáš Szunyog, Head of EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative, for Telegrafi

1. Ambassador Szunyog, you started working in Kosovo in September 2020, four years later you are leaving - how would you describe this?

It has been four busy years, so busy that I can barely recall a single dull day, except for some slow August days. My arrival here was not dull either. I arrived in September 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading the EU in Kosovo and meeting with counterparts under such challenging conditions was not easy.

These four years have flown by. Some days were difficult, others easier, but overall, the experience has been certainly positive. I take great pride in the work we have done in Kosovo to help it advance on its EU path. And I have very much enjoyed being the primary link between the EU and Kosovo, driving forward diplomatic, economic, developmental, and cultural relations. My role has allowed me to meet numerous interesting people from all walks of life and travel around Kosovo, enjoying its natural beauty.

1. What was the most difficult period during this time that you will remember?

I will never forget September 24, 2023. I woke up to a phone call informing me about the violent attack in Banjska. It was a Sunday, and I had to act quickly to mobilize everyone, both here and in Brussels. I was shocked and saddened to learn that Afrim Bunjaku had been killed in the line of duty. The scale of this operation was unprecedented, and the quantity of confiscated weapons was massive. This incident was a strong alarm bell, and its consequences are still visible today. I want to reiterate the need for a thorough investigation to conclude efficiently and for all responsible to be held accountable. Another very difficult day was May 29, 2023 - the day of the unprovoked attacks against KFOR troops in the north of Kosovo, which have led to a number of them being injured.

1. What are some of the most important and difficult moments you have seen in Kosovo during your mandate?

I won't shy away from admitting that one of the most challenging moments when I arrived was addressing the continuous questions about visa liberalisation. It felt like a true burden, especially when speaking with students and young people about Kosovo's European future.

This issue resonated with me personally. Coming from today's Czechia, I, too, needed a visa to travel abroad when I was a student. These questions reminded me of myself, wondering why I had to line up for a visa while students from EU countries could travel freely around Europe. Today, Czechia is an EU Member State, and its citizens enjoy the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.

And this is my wish for Kosovo: to become an EU Member State. Visa liberalisation was a significant milestone and a token of appreciation towards the Kosovo society, which is so supportive of the EU integration. However, more work needs to be done. The strategic choice of EU membership needs to be complemented with political will and concrete deliverables.

1. Do you believe there will be an agreement in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia and how do you see this now at the end of your mandate?

I believe that there should be implementation by both parties of the Agreement on the path to normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as other agreements reached in the EU-facilitated dialogue. This is clear and has been clearly communicated to both parties. Kosovo and Serbia can advance on their EU paths if there is progress in the Dialogue. Without progress, they risk being left behind while the rest of the region will move forward.

The enlargement process has gained a new momentum, and the EU is ready to rise to the occasion and bring aspiring members even closer. Kosovo should sieze this opportunity. Perhaps you think that the EU is not treating you fairly, or that we are slow and bureaucratic. Trust me; your European future is mostly in your hands. We are here to help you get there.

1. What steps are the most important for Kosovo to take on its path towards EU integration?

In addition to progress in the Dialogue, Kosovo should accelerate the pace of reforms because enlargement is merit-based process. To advance on its EU path Kosovo should make tangible and irreversible progress, starting with the fundamentals: the rule of law, human rights, economy, and the functioning of democratic institutions.

But let me stress here that this reform process is not only about joining the EU; more importantly, it is about implementing democratic and economic reforms for a better Kosovo, implementing reforms that improve the lives of all the people in Kosovo.

1. Is there a specific project or initiative that you think has had a particular impact on improving the lives of Kosovo's citizens during your mandate?

As Kosovo's largest provider of financial assistance, the EU has helped improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Kosovo citizens. From the Energy Support Package, which provides subsidies to households and small and medium-sized businesses in Kosovo, helps vulnerable consumers pay their energy bills, and improves the energy efficiency of existing buildings, to implementing important infrastructure projects like the EU-funded Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Pristina, which I visited a few days ago.

We also provide extensive support in several sectors such as the rule of law, energy, infrastructure, private sector development, democracy and governance, education, environment, media, and civil society.

However, since you asked me about a particular project, I want to single out the EU4All project, which promotes inclusiveness by ensuring access to 19 public buildings for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.

1. Is there any approved law or topic on which you had deep disagreements with the government of Kosovo?

Yes, there have been a few disagreements. However, I always had the opportunity to discuss them with the President, the Assembly Speaker, the Prime Minister, and other officials, whose cooperation I valued throughout my mandate. In some cases, the EU has also made its position public, as we recently did with the Draft Law on Public Officials, and the Laws on Independent Media Commission and the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council.

Our aim was clear: to improve these laws and ensure compliance with European standards and best practices.

This did not happen in the case of the Law on Independent Media Commission and the Law on Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, which were referred to the Constitutional Court.

Given that Kosovo is a potential candidate for EU accession, our work is to offer recommendations aimed at advancing Kosovo's EU path. While these laws are key to this, ultimately, fair and just laws which align with European and international standards are essential for the rule of law, as well as the well-being and protection of citizens.

1. What are your recommendations for your successor in this position and the institutions of Kosovo?

Before coming to Kosovo, my perception was largely shaped by the media, which was not entirely accurate. When I came here, I was positively surprised by its people and natural beauty, especially its mountainous regions, which are a paradise for nature lovers and climbers like myself. Kosovo's people are also very supportive of EU integration. So, my advice to Aivo, which I have already given to him, is to work with everyone, get to know Kosovo and Kosovars, and bring Kosovo even closer to the EU.

1. What are your plans for the future after the end of your mandate in Kosovo?

My immediate plans are to return home, and enjoy some time off without worrying about deadlines or checking my phone every five minutes. I have a long list of books I want to read, and I am very much looking forward to that. Although I travelled to Czechia often enough, I am really looking forward to catching up with family and friends.

1. In the end, what will you miss most about Kosovo after you leave?

I will certainly miss a handful of people who I call friends and whose doors were always open to me. I will also miss the Pristina Dog Shelter, Mentor and Slavisa, whose work I admire. This is something I have not mentioned before, but I enjoyed visiting the shelter and witness first-hand the amazing work they do to improve the lives of these animals.

But as this is my last interview before leaving Kosovo, I want to take this opportunity and thank all our counterparts for working side by side with me and my team for the past four year. Most importantly, I thank the people of Kosovo, who received me with kindness and hospitality. I hope to be able to return the favour.

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