The Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament welcomed the „recent efforts made by Serbia and Kosovo aimed at normalising relations between the two neighbours“. However, they raised their concern over considerations to adjust borders and exchange territories between Serbia and Kosovo.
„Ideas about redrawing borders and the ‘exchanges of populations’ have always triggered conflicts and wars in South Eastern Europe. Projects like these can only undermine the Euro-Atlantic integration prospects of all Western Balkan countries. The key issue as regards inter-ethnic relations is the appropriate protection of national minorities,“ said ALDE MEP, Ivo Vajgl (DeSUS, Slovenia), a member of Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee.
LDE Group leader, Guy Verhofstadt, said reconciliation, peace and stability of the Western Balkans must remain a priority for all actors in the region:
“It is not through border changes and land swaps that you improve relations between countries in the Western Balkans. On the contrary: the only way to guarantee long term stability and prosperity is working on real reconciliation among communities, overcoming ethnical divisions and advancing a credible and gradual integration into the European project. The recent green light by the European Parliament for visa-free travel for Kosovo is one supportive step in this process.“
The rapporteur for Kosovo, Igor Soltes and the rapporteur for Serbia, David McAllister, who met with High Representative Federica Mogherini, also sent their support for the dialogue, and to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci who are scheduled to meet in Brussels tomorrow.
“The dialogue between President Thaci and President Vucic on reaching a comprehensive normalisation agreement is extremely important for the future of Kosovo and Serbia and for the stability of the whole of the Western Balkans,” reads the press release issued after the meeting.
McAllister and Soltes support their efforts, as well as those deployed by the High Representative Federica Mogherini to try to reach an agreement which is “viable, sustainable, in line with international law and for the benefit of the whole region.”
“We know how challenging these discussions can be, yet a positive outcome could unlock the path towards EU membership and would cement good neighbourly relations. Such an agreement by mutual consent would be a historical achievement and we, in the European Parliament, remain fully committed to provide all our support to the two Presidents and to the High Representative/Vice President, to ensure a successful outcome,” they said.
The two rapporteurs, however, did not comment on the ideas of „border correction“ and „the delimitation of Serbs and Albanians“ made by the Kosovo and Serbian president’s.
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