The German Chief Diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, during a speech in the Bundestag for the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, also mentioned Kosovo’s request for membership in this organization.
Speaking about the values and principles of the Council of Europe and its institutions, Baerbock said that the organization attracts the newest democracy in Europe – Kosovo.
“This is the power that lies in the instruments of the Council of Europe – now our Council of Europe. And which, speaking of which – we must not forget this when we talk about values and rights in these times – is a force that radiates also in other countries and makes institutions like the Council of Europe so attractive. Like Kosovo, the newest democracy in Europe, which belongs to our Council of Europe.”
The head of German diplomacy called for the necessary support to be ensured for Kosovo’s membership in the CoE and also asked the holders of institutions in Kosovo to engage in ensuring that Kosovo joins as soon as possible.
“Therefore, we call – and I am truly grateful for the intensive work of democratic parliamentarians and political groups that are joining here – to all involved and responsible in Kosovo to do everything possible to ensure that we have the necessary majority for membership soon,” she said in the Bundestag, followed by applause.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Donika Gërvalla, said they have sent a letter to the Council of Europe confirming the pledge to prepare a draft statute for the establishment of “a mechanism for self-management, coordination, and cooperation of majority Serbian municipalities in Kosovo.”
This draft will be sent to the Constitutional Court by the end of May.
