This is the only way that correction of borders can be done

The European Union will support any bilateral Kosovo-Serbia agreement that will be in line with international law, says EU actingman for Kosovo Igor Soltes.

Deutsche Welle: The meeting of the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo, Aleksandar Vuciq and Hashim Thaci, in Brussels, was intended to advance the stalled negotiations between the two countries, even introduce a solution. But talks failed, and Belgrade reports are Pristina Cold again. How did this happen?

Igor Soltes: You should ask those who didn't meet. No one felt that after many years of searching for a solution, this would be found overnight, but there was much encouraging news from both sides. We have always supported this. But there are still chances, because talks have to continue this is important for people in both countries and for the entire region.

The suggested solution was correctionii Borders, well, Rockmouse territoryesh. Did you back it up?SThis proposal?

This idea is highly controversial. Nobody wants to adopt border changes on the basis of the principle of ethnic affiliation. Therefore, we have stressed that all negotiations that are held should be in line with the principles of international law. Only within this framework can the border changes be discussed.

Do not follow tags It would be well if both sides It's a deal.?

Of course, but this agreement must be legitimised in a democratic manner. It must be supported by both parliament and the population of both states. If it fits international law, then it's both countries' case. At the moment, however, it is not really clear in which direction Belgrade and Pristina want to go.

Critics of the shift of the border fear a domino effect in the region -- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro.

It is important to see that the situation differs from country to country, and each problem is a separate problem. Hence, what is true of a country cannot be transferred automatically to another location. If there are two sides agreeing, in accordance with international institutions, it is something other than when only one side wants to. So these must be viewed separately.

Can Greece, Macedonia Agreement on Name Issue Serve for example: Serbia-Kosovo deal?

Yeah, that's the model. This row had blocked Macedonia on its way to the EU and was now apparently resolved. This is a very positive message. Where there is will, there is a way out. And the EU supports this. Where will is lacking, the EU has nothing to do. We can offer assistance in finding a solution, we can give space for dialogue, but the way should want to travel on both sides themselves.

Can Serbia continue the path of European integration without knowing Kosovo?

The Commission's position is clear: The normalisation of relations with Kosovo is one of the most important criteria. That's a fact that everyone knows. The EU does not want to impose the solution, but wants both sides to find a solution in line with international law. After all, it is the citizens of these countries who will have to live with these solutions. That is why it is important that Belgrade and Pristina know where they want to go. This is also important for the economy, because if people don't see any prospects for themselves and their country, then they will continue to emigrate in large measure.

Igor Soltes is a Slovenian lawyer and politician, member of Group TGreens in the European Parliament. Ever since 2017. isspecial loaded i EU for Kosovo, rapporteur of The EP for this place.