German official: European proposal for Kosovo a unique opportunity for Serbia

NEWS 22.02.202313:45
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Accepting the European proposal, which is based on a German-French initiative, would fundamentally and sustainably improve the relations between Serbia and Kosovo, said Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany Anna Luhrmann, stressing that this proposal is a unique opportunity for both Serbia and Kosovo.

Luhrmann told an interview with the European Western Balkans that accepting the proposal would remove obstacles on the path to further European Union (EU) integration and economic development of Serbia and Kosovo.

“All EU members hope that Serbia and Kosovo will seize this historic and unique chance. Europe is embracing the region as never before: Our arms are wide open, but we need both parties to act constructively,” said Luhrmann.

Asked if, from a German perspective, alignment with EU’s foreign policy towards Russia is necessary for the further progress of Serbia to the EU, she said that Russia’s “illegal war of aggression” against Ukraine has fundamentally altered the geopolitical conditions under which Serbia is pursuing EU membership.

Luhrmann stressed that aligning with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU is an important part of the accession process and that it gives testimony to the fact that a country shares the values of the EU.

She said Germany welcomes that Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo are implementing the EU sanctions against Russia.

“As a candidate country we expect Serbia to commit itself in a similar way. Alignment with Europe’s foreign policy, most importantly towards Russia, is crucial for further progress of Serbia on its EU path,” Luhrmann pointed out.

Asked how she sees the current state of democracy in the region and whether she thinks that democracy and the rule of law will stay central pillars of the EU accession process, Luhrmann said that there is still work to be done in the countries of the Western Balkans, as is also reflected in the EU Commission’s annual country reports.