Macro, Hott: You need to go back to dialogue, dispute endangers European security

President Macron's wish telegram reads:

Mr. Prime Minister,

In my name and in the name of the French people, I send you my sincere congratulations and my best wishes for success in exercising your new responsibilities as prime minister of the Republic of Kosovo.

France, which was the second country to recognise Kosovo as an independent state a day after it declared independence twelve years ago, has stood on its side since then.

I would like to express all my solidarity and that of the French people to the Kosovo population, also tested by the pandemic COVID-19. By mobilizing more than 3 billion euros to help Western Balkan countries cope with this unprecedented crisis, the European Union has shown its full commitment to your region.

Your government takes office at a key moment for Kosovo. It is up to her to undertake substantial reforms: consolidating the rule of law, including fighting organised crime and corruption, and economic and social development. France will support you on these reforms in the service of the citizens of Kosovo and your European approach to fade.

It is also up to you to face another crucial challenge for Kosovo by restarting dialogue with Serbia and redefining your dispute through a comprehensive, final and legally binding agreement.

For more than a year, France and Germany have committed themselves to restarting dialogue, which could be launched during a upcoming summit in Paris. I believe in your participation in this summit and your willingness to take the necessary measures to enable the resumption of dialogue, while Serbia will also have to do its part of the effort.

Once the dialogue is resumed, it is up to the European Union's mediation to support your efforts to reach an agreement. The role of the EU should remain central, because this dispute is the challenge of European security and because both Kosovo and Serbia are aiming for integration into our Union. High Representative Josep Borrell and new special representative Miroslav Lajcak enjoy my full trust to lead this mediation.

Hoping to meet you soon and renew my best wishes for success in your new responsibilities, please accept Mr. Prime Minister's safety of my very high assessment.