Tensions in the north, prime ministers of Holland, Luxembourg visiting Kosovo, Serbia

Rutte and Bettel will first visit Zagreb, and on Monday they will stay in Belgrade, where they will meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq, and Prime Minister Ana Brnabiq.

The visit of two European prime ministers was scheduled several months ago. But they will exploit this journey for the envoy's message of the European Union and NATO to leaders in Kosovo and Serbia for the need to reduce tensions, calm the situation in northern Kosovo, and return to dialogue mediated by Brussels.

This visit by these three states, according to diplomatic sources, was planned as “a joint approach of Benelux” on several important issues in the Western Balkan region. These three countries are very interested in close cooperation, especially in matters involving migration.

Besides the process of European integration of the countries of the region, Benelux countries have always been interested in co-operating in halting mass migration towards the EU, repatriating their citizens who illegally stay in the EU and co-operation with these countries in combating trafficking.

Although the Belgian prime minister will not be on this visit, the heads of governments of the Netherlands and Luxembourg will also present the positions of Belgium. These three states traditionally interact on many foreign policy issues and have a common position even within the EU whenever this fits and their national interests.

The visit of leaders of the Netherlands and Luxembourg comes at a time when tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have increased.

Tensions began in late May, when the young Albanian mayors of Zvecan, Leposaviqi and Zubin Potok began under police assistance.

The international community has called on Kosovo and Serbia to reduce tensions and organise new elections in the four municipalities in the north. / REL/