The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated that she is actively engaged in the Kosovo-Serbia normalization process because it benefits both countries.
“If we can prove that we’re moving in the right direction and taking steps toward normalization to leave the past behind and focus on a shared future I believe this is beneficial for both the people of Kosovo and those of Serbia,” Kallas said in an interview with Radio Television of Kosovo.
The EU foreign policy chief also spoke about concrete steps she intends to take to restore trust in the EU as a fair partner, and potentially lift the sanctions imposed on Kosovo.
“My view is: I am listening to both sides. Both have some valid arguments and concerns, but I think we must leave the past behind. As I’ve promised or proposed once Kosovo has a unified government, we must sit down at a truly high level and review the concerns, because we are genuinely trying to overcome this impasse. It’s in the interest of the people of Kosovo. It would be much easier to truly help the people here in every aspect if we had a normalized process,” she said.
Regarding her meeting with Serbian President Vučić, Kallas stated that she made her positions very clear and emphasized that she demanded accountability for the Banjska attack.
“I made my views very clear, and I’ve made them public as well. Now, regarding accountability I raised this issue, and it was promised that those responsible for the attacks will be held accountable,” said Kallas.
Speaking about Kosovo’s European future, she referenced Estonia’s own pre-accession experience with the EU.
“Let me give you an example. Estonia was in a very similar situation. And for EU accession, we were required to implement some truly difficult reforms. But it also takes a collective mindset among all the people that we must do this, because it’s better for our country, for our people, whether you’re in the opposition or in the governing coalition. And we succeeded,” Kallas concluded.
