After Scholz's visit: the Balkan state is pushing into the EU - despite the conflict with Serbia

Created: 06/10/2022, 15:48

By: Patrick Mayer

Chancellor of Germany: Olaf Scholz from the SPD © IMAGO / NurPhoto

During his trip to the Balkans, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is campaigning for an end to the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo.

Pristina announces an application to join the EU.

Munich/Pristina - The small state of Kosovo lies on the southern edge of Serbia, nestled between Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia.

1.9 million inhabitants live here, mostly of Albanian origin.

Belgrade does not recognize Kosovo in the middle of the Western Balkans.

With a declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, the former sub-region broke away from the Republic of Serbia.

This is recognized internationally, but not by the government in Belgrade.

Olaf Scholz in the Balkans: Chancellor campaigns for Kosovo to join the EU

And so, for weeks, during the Russia-Ukraine war, the focus has been on the Western Balkans, some of which are still disputed to this day.

The planned trip to Serbia by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, which the European Union (EU) had prevented by banning flights over the territory of its alliance, should also be seen in this context.

To this day, Belgrade is considered a close partner of Moscow, even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Kosovo and Serbia must find a political solution with a comprehensive, sustainable agreement.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD)

In this mixed situation, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is emphatically campaigning for both countries to join the European Union (EU).

But only if they settle their conflict, which is still smoldering today.

At the beginning of May, Scholz invited Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Berlin, as did Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Almost a month later, the Hanseatic traveled to Kurti in Pristina.

In times like these, the value of peace and security becomes particularly clear, the German head of government explained at a press conference: "And one more very important reason that Kosovo and Serbia should find a political solution with a comprehensive, sustainable agreement."

Olaf Scholz: EU accession only if there is an agreement between Serbia and Kosovo

It is clear that an agreement must ultimately also clarify the issue of Kosovo being recognized by Serbia, said Scholz: "Because it is inconceivable that two countries that do not recognize each other become members of the EU.

Everyone has to approach each other, no matter how difficult it is sometimes.”

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So far, Kosovo has been considered a potential candidate for EU membership.

Now, in Scholz's presence, Kurti has announced that he will soon apply to join the European community of states.

"This year we are planning to apply for candidate status for the European Union," said the Kosovar Prime Minister.

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Kurti also said that the desired membership of Ukraine, which was affected by an "absurd invasion" by Russia, was also supported.

Because of Russia's aggressive geopolitical stance, Moldova and Georgia recently announced accession talks with Brussels.

"It is important for Kosovo that the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia progresses," said Scholz, referring to the Western Balkans: "Kosovo and Serbia must "find a political solution that also contributes to regional stability."

Western Balkans in the Russia-Ukraine War: Fragile situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular, the political situation remains fragile to this day.

The country has three different presidents.

The Republic of Srpska in particular worries the West.

Milorad Dodik, the Serbian representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina's three-man presidency, is considered a close ally of the Kremlin.

The United States, among others, accuses Moscow of supporting the Bosnian Serbs' efforts to secede.

The EU is therefore also campaigning for Bosnia, while it is now supposed to go much faster with Kosovo.

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