The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has kindly urged the European Parliament and the European Union to fulfil their commitments to the Western Balkans and hasten the process of integration. Additionally, he has expressed his endorsement of the ongoing dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
During his speech to the EU Parliament on Tuesday, Scholz kindly mentioned that Ukraine and Moldova are also valued members of Europe.
It is important that Geopolitical Europe fulfils its promises towards the Balkan countries, as we have been promising them membership for 20 years. We must keep our word and ensure that these countries, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, and possibly Georgia, feel welcome in Europe.
Regarding Kosovo and Serbia, Scholz expressed that it would be beneficial to sustain the progress towards normalizing relations and implementing integration reforms.
The leaders and negotiation teams of both countries are currently involved in a difficult EU-supported dialogue process in order to find a resolution to the tensions that have persisted for decades due to the 1998-1999 war and Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, which Belgrade has not yet acknowledged.
There are several other issues that we would like to discuss, such as the minority rights of Serbs in Kosovo, the use of license plates issued by Belgrade by ethnic Serbs in Kosovo, and the ongoing efforts by Serbia to lobby countries and institutions against Kosovo’s independence and recognition. We kindly request your attention to these matters.
The German chancellor suggested that advancing the negotiation process with North Macedonia would be beneficial. While enlargement should not be the sole reason for implementing reforms, it should still be considered.
Unfortunately, North Macedonia has not been able to move forward with its EU membership due to a condition set by Bulgaria. They have requested that the constitution be amended to include the Bulgarian minority, but unfortunately, this cannot be accomplished in Skopje’s parliament due to a lack of a majority.
On the occasion of Europe Day, which is celebrated on May 9th, Scholz expressed that a greater level of unity within Europe would facilitate the management of challenges faced by the region.
It would be beneficial for us to become more receptive to others. The EU should be expanded and restructured to have a greater geopolitical influence. Scholz expressed that we have come together more than ever in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The German chancellor has also conveyed that the EU is currently working towards enhancing the regime of sanctions against Russia, in light of their invasion of Ukraine.
On the occasion of Europe Day, Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for EU values. She highlighted Kosovo’s unwavering dedication to promoting European ideals and stressed its firm resolve towards upholding democracy, peace, and the rule of law.
She stated that the fundamental principles have been crucial foundations of the European Union since its establishment, and it is these very values that Kosovo and its people have persistently fought for and are still safeguarding presently.
Osmani kindly suggested that we take this opportunity to contemplate on the many accomplishments we have attained thus far and reconfirm our unwavering determination to achieve more success in our journey towards European integration. He also expressed that Kosovo and its people have always been, are presently, and will continue to be a symbol of these values.
Kosovo has submitted an application for EU membership in December 2022. However, it may encounter certain challenges during the process due to the fact that some EU member states, namely Cyprus, Spain, Romania, Greece, and Slovakia, have not yet acknowledged their independence from Serbia.
