Christian Schwarz-Schilling, who served in multiple mandates in Germany and was known as a supporter of Kosovo, has passed away.
Kosovo’s ambassador Zemaj shared reflections on his encounters with Schwarz-Schilling, highlighting his strong connection with Kosovo and his lasting impressions of the country.
“I had the honor of meeting him several times, hosting him at the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo in Frankfurt, and visiting him at his residence in Hessen. Every meeting with him was meaningful, filled with lessons from his experience and inspiring in how to work for the state and its future. It was a special privilege, not only for me personally, but for Kosovo as well,” Zemaj stated.
He also shared excerpts from notes taken during one of Schwarz-Schilling’s visits, in which the former minister expressed firm support for Kosovo’s independence and its Euro-Atlantic path.
“Your country deserved its independence. Now you must build a strong and sustainable state based on democratic principles. Maintaining cohesion and advancing toward Euro-Atlantic integration is an obligation. Even those European Union countries that have not recognized Kosovo have made a mistake. Recognition should have come immediately after the war in 1999. Serbia must also be made aware that without recognizing Kosovo’s independence, there can be no EU membership,” Schwarz-Schilling had stated.
He further emphasized the importance of economic development, education, peace, and institutional integrity as key pillars for Kosovo’s future.
Schwarz-Schilling is remembered as a committed advocate for stability, democracy, and international recognition of Kosovo.
