Further progress in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is the only way forward toward European Union (EU) membership, according to Germany’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde. He emphasized that only countries that recognize each other can join the EU.
In an interview with KosovaPress, Rohde discussed the recent conclusions of the EU Council regarding the Association of Serb-majority municipalities. He stressed that full adherence to all agreements made is in the best interest of both Kosovo and Serbia.
“Dialogue has brought essential results in the past. Since 2011, more than 30 agreements have been reached within the EU-facilitated dialogue, and many of them have been implemented. Further progress in the dialogue is the only way forward on the path to EU membership for both Kosovo and Serbia. This was made clear by the European Council during its meeting on December 17, 2024, by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, new enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, and new High Representative Kaja Kallas,” he said.
Kosovo’s Responsibility in Dialogue
Kosovo’s government has not yet sent the EU-drafted statute of the Association of Serb-majority municipalities to the Constitutional Court. However, Ambassador Rohde emphasized that this statute must be sent to the Constitutional Court without further delay.
“The draft statute is a document approved by all 27 EU member states, aimed at implementing the Ohrid Agreement and continuing the normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia. Let us recall the latest EU Council conclusions: The draft must be sent to the Constitutional Court without further delay,” said Rohde.
Serbia’s Failures and EU Progress
Serbia has not fulfilled its obligations in the dialogue while adopting two draft laws that undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty. These include the draft law on judicial jurisdiction in Kosovo and another on declaring Kosovo a “zone of special social protection.” Germany has stated these draft laws clearly violate Serbia’s obligations in the Brussels dialogue with Kosovo.
“The German Foreign Ministry has made it clear that Serbia is clearly violating its obligations in the dialogue. In general, neither Kosovo nor Serbia are fully respecting their respective dialogue agreements, thus hindering their further path toward the EU. Full compliance with all agreements is in the true interest of both countries.”
Kosovo’s EU Membership Status
On Kosovo’s request for EU candidate status, Ambassador Rohde stated that it is up to EU member states to invite the EU Commission to process Kosovo’s membership request. He highlighted that significant progress in the EU-facilitated normalization dialogue is crucial for convincing member states that have yet to recognize Kosovo.
“As I mentioned in a previous interview: While we don’t see progress, Kosovo’s membership application unfortunately remains ‘frozen in the inbox.’ Chancellor Scholz made it clear during his visit to Pristina and Belgrade in 2022: In the long run, only countries that recognize each other can join the EU,” the German ambassador emphasized.
Security Situation and Political Solutions
Regarding the security situation in Kosovo, Rohde warned of potential escalation following the terrorist attack in the Ibër-Lepenc region. Kosovo institutions have warned of the risk of repeat incidents.
According to the German ambassador, only political solutions can guarantee a stable and secure environment.
“I share the assessment of KFOR’s commander that the security situation in Kosovo is fragile with the potential to escalate. Germany has shown its readiness to contribute to ensuring a secure and safe environment in the country by quadrupling its KFOR contingent at the beginning of this year. However, ultimately, only political solutions will ensure a sustainable, safe, and stable environment. We need significant progress in the EU-mediated dialogue.”
