The German chief diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, during a speech in the Bundestag on the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, also mentioned Kosovo’s request for membership in this organization.
Speaking about the values and principles of the Council of Europe and its institutions, Baerbock said that the organization also attracts the youngest democracy in Europe – Kosovo.
“This is the power that lies in the instruments of the Council of Europe – now our Council of Europe. And which, by the way – we must not forget this when we talk about values and rights in these times – is a force that radiates in other countries and that makes institutions like the Council of Europe so attractive. Like Kosovo, the youngest democracy in Europe, which belongs to our Council of Europe”.
The head of German diplomacy called for the necessary support to be provided for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe and asked the leaders of the institutions in Kosovo to commit to Kosovo becoming a member as soon as possible.
“That’s why we call on – and I’m really grateful for the hard work of the democratic parliamentarians and political groups that are coming together here – everyone involved and responsible in Kosovo to do everything possible to ensure that we have the necessary majority for achieving membership soon,” she said in the Bundestag, which was met with applause.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Donika Gërvalla, said that they have sent a letter to the Council of Europe where they confirm the commitment that they are preparing a draft statute for the establishment of “a mechanism for self-management, coordination and cooperation of municipalities with a Serbian majority in Kosovo”.
This draft will be sent to the Constitutional Court by the end of May.
