French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France will continue to support efforts to achieve progress in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo, which is crucial for the Western Balkans.
During a press conference in Belgrade following a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Macron emphasized that the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is integral to bringing both Kosovo and Serbia closer to the European Union.
“I have had the opportunity to repeat on several occasions that the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is an integral part of moving closer to the European Union. We have discussed this extensively in several European capitals, and this issue must be resolved without compromise from both sides, particularly if there is no political courage to reach a solution. In this regard, I want to commend the Serbian authorities for the decisions made at the end of last year to begin implementing the agreements from Ohrid,” Macron said.
The French President stressed his support for the establishment of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities and added that the EU will continue to support efforts to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
“With our European partners, we expressed our concern about Kosovo’s recent unilateral actions, which do not send a positive signal. Be assured that France will continue to closely monitor the conditions in which the Serbian community in Kosovo lives. In this context, we are particularly committed to the formation of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. But my message today is one of determination and confidence—we will continue to support the efforts invested in the European mediation to make progress in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo, which is of key importance for the entire Western Balkans region. In this way, your relations with all partners will improve, we will have free movement of people, and a better life for all your citizens,” Macron concluded.
