Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, German secretary: Painful compromises will also be needed at the conclusion of this process

The resolution of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo should be achieved as soon as possible. The two countries, and the whole region, are being driven by lack of progress in their development and stability. Therefore progress in the EU-mediated dialogue is very important”, Berger has said.

In an interview for Deutsche Welle, the German secretary added that Lajcak and Borrell have full support of the German state for the work they are doing in relation to the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

Berger further stressed that painful compromises will be needed at the end of this process.

EU special envoy for dialogue Miroslav Lajcak and High Representative Josep Borrell have our full support. They're doing exactly what for now is right: You drop both sides in the talks. In the end, painful compromises will also be needed so that negotiations can be concluded with a comprehensive, stable and binding agreement that will enable both countries to join the EU”, Berger said.

He also spoke of the question of dealing with the past, which Prime Minister Albin Kurti has cited as a precondition for successful talks with Serbia.

A key prerequisite is for each party to face its own responsibility. Facing the past is possible only on this basis. I stressed this even in my discussions in the region. However, facing the past should not be the precondition of dialogue, because that way talks will be impossible. In my view it's the opposite: A successful agreement between Kosovo and Serbia would make it easier to face the past”, Berger said