German MP: Ohrid Agreement implemented, real chance to become part of EU

German MP Michael Helmut Roth has said that the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, reached on March 18th in Ohrid, should be implemented by both sides.

In a conversation to the Serbian medium “Novi magazin”, Roth said Kosovo, along with the other five Western Balkan states, has a real chance of becoming part of the EU.

I am here at crucial moments for the future of Serbia and Kosovo, and the way for both countries is towards the European Union. And, I repeat, I am fully convinced that the six Western Balkan countries have a real chance to be part of the European Union”, the German lawmaker said.

According to him, dialogue on normalising reports between Kosovo and Serbia is one of the key elements for their path towards the EU.

On the other hand, he says that although civil society in Serbia is extremely sensitive when it comes to Kosovo, ultimately “what we really need is the bold leadership”.

The bold leadership of President Vuciq and Prime Minister Kurti to overcome controversy to establish common grounds for reconciliation, mutual trust... And therefore I am sure that the Ohrid Agreement is an important step forward, and my clear expectation is that both sides will implement what they have promised”, said German deputy, who is also Chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee.

Roth claims that implementing the Ohrid Agreement is a major challenge for Kosovo, but also for Serbia, and says he really hopes that the president of Serbia and the Kosovo government will show their commitment to this agreement.

Among other things, he expressed disappointment with the comments he says ignore the essence of this agreement... “Basa of the agreement was the German-French proposal, and negotiations were under the auspices of the European Union with special envoy Lajcak and EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security and Vice President Borrell”.

And this is why I hope that the leadership of both sides will keep their promises”, Roth said.

Michael Helmut Roth is a German politician from the ranks of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD). He has been German Bundestag deputy since 27 September 1998, and since December 2021, chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Commission, Klen Kosova broadcasts.

Asked by “Novi Magazin” what is the reason for his visit to Serbia, he says it concerns the exchange of thoughts with representatives of the Government of Serbia, Parliament and civil society.

The European perspective of the Western Balkans has always been a close issue for me. At meetings, I will also focus on our joint European response to Russia's struggle of aggression against Ukraine”, Roth said.