NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the media in Brussels today, acknowledging the ongoing tensions in the Western Balkans and stating that the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is not progressing as they would like.
“We must be aware of the tensions in the Western Balkans and the fact that the Prishtina-Belgrade dialogue is not moving forward as we would wish for the EU-facilitated dialogue, which we support,” Rutte stated.
When asked by a journalist from Bosnia about the attention given to the region, particularly Bosnia, Rutte expressed concern over efforts to divide society within the country.
“We are certainly concerned about the secessionist tensions that continue to seek to divide Bosnian society. This will undoubtedly be on the agenda, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support the Western Balkans,” he added.
Rutte highlighted Germany’s efforts in the region through the Berlin Process, aimed at bringing the six Western Balkan countries closer to the EU and NATO for those that are not yet members.
“I am especially pleased with the meeting held in Berlin this week and with Chancellor Scholz’s leadership regarding the Western Balkan countries, as I know Germany is working particularly hard to bring that group closer to the EU and NATO for those who are not yet part of the Alliance.”
