CDU/ CSU motion in Bundestag: Germany commit to recognition of Kosovo by 5th EU

A day before the EU-Balkan summit, the largest German opposition party is increasing pressure on the government on the Western Balkans. The Union Christian Democrat and Christianian parliamentary group (CDU/CSU) in Bundestag has filed a motion in the German Parliament, which is discussed today, 22.06, in the Plenum. German MPs call on the German government to reach the EU with a fast, clear, reliable and tangible progress on membership of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia” in the EU.

Opposition MPs also demand that candidate countries adopt intermediate steps to draw them closer to the EU. In all, they suggested membership without the right to vote on joint foreign, security and defence policies, as well as the EU internal market, in exchange for reforms and implementation of Copenhagen criteria and progress in rule of law.

Engagement for Kosovo recognition

MPs demand in their motion that the German government influence EU member states that do not recognise Kosovo to recognise it. MPs suggest the German government argue with the new security situation created following Russian aggression in Ukraine. Furthermore, MPs seek the commitment of German diplomacy to Kosovo's membership as soon as possible to international organisations, and as a first step to the Council of Europe.

In addition, MPs demand a firm refusal to change borders in the Western Balkan countries, the prospect of their membership in NATO, increased the fight against corruption, continued “Berlin Process” for regional co-operation and development, and reforms within the EU providing for its absorption capacity in the future.

Danger for Peace Within the EU

The Russian anti-Ukrainian aggression has highlighted the vulnerability of borders in the heart of Europe”, the MPs argue in their demand, as well as the fact that frozen conflicts can escalate and spread quickly. “Such implications endanger EU stability and peace interests”.

Despite major progress in recent decades, the Western Balkans remain a unstable region, with organised crime, corruption and poor judiciary.

In their request MPs also point to the existence of interethnic and interreligious problems. The “is in the interest of the EU itself that the six countries of the Western Balkans -- Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia -- which are not yet members of the EU, but are directly surrounded by EU member states -- reach long-term stability, rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, solid democratic structures and economic prosperity.” That way, the goal should remain to have Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia in the future, MPs write.

The motion, titled “Renewing the EU's perspective on Western Balkan countries with dedicated policies”, following a 40-minute debate, is expected to be passed for consultation to responsible foreign affairs commissions. / DW