Germany, France seek to resume Kosovo-Serbia dialogue under EU leadership

This has been revealed by Germany's embassy in Kosovo through a Facebook text, stressing that the unresolved situation between the two countries remains a destabilising factor for the entire Western Balkans, Kosovo reports.

“S, together with Serbia and Kosovo, we are determined to resolve all remaining obstacles. The unresolved situation between the two countries remains a destabilising factor for the entire Western Balkans and as such is a European security issue. It hinders needed economic development and hinders political progress”.

For this purpose, EU member states appointed one of Europe's most skilled diplomats, Miroslav Lajcak, as special representative for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and other regional issues. France and Germany are willing to support him and his team with all our political, diplomatic and economic potential”.

In April 2019, Chancellor Merkel and President Macron invited the leaders of the region to a summit in Berlin. Now that Miroslav Lajcak has taken office, it is time for the youth dialogue. The goal should be to reach a stable, comprehensive, legally binding agreement between Belgrade and Pristina that resolves all open issues and contributes to regional stability. President Macron has declared his willingness to hold a second summit in Paris. However, readiness for dialogue is a prerequisite for this”.

According to European diplomats, there is no fast and short road leading to normalisation of relations between the two countries.

A serious approach requires well structured, deep negotiations with the EU as an honest mediator. More mediating and political determination are needed, as are Berlin and Paris”.

It is encouraging to see how Kosovo and Serbia have treated the choreography. We also welcome Prime Minister Kurti's decision to suspend 100 per cent to goods from Serbia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also expect Serbia to do its part of the effort.

These two ministers have called for all agreements reached between Belgrade and Pristina since 2011, through EU-atsuffered dialogue, to be implemented.

“This is no time for political maneuvering. If anything else, the current crisis will increase social tensions and political discontent. Taking the demands of citizens seriously means strengthening institutions, tackling corruption and organised crime, and developing economic opportunities for all. This is the way ahead of you. This is where we're going to be next to you”