The Swedish Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonas Westerlund, has called for the integration of Serbian education and healthcare into Kosovo’s system to be carried out within the framework of the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue.
Speaking on the topic during a discussion at the Media Center on Monday, Westerlund emphasized that Kosovo’s law should be applicable in all 38 municipalities, but added that integration must occur within the Brussels dialogue.
“We believe that Kosovo’s law should be enforceable in all 38 municipalities. I want to stress that integration should ultimately happen in these matters. I have heard the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, say that Serbian doctors and professors have received our licenses, which is a positive sign, and I hope the government will continue to review these issues. All citizens should have access to education and healthcare services in accordance with the needs of local communities. The key issue is that there should be no obstacles regarding health and education… This should happen through dialogue. We need to speak with local communities, and this must be discussed with the EU Special Representative. We believe this should happen within that dialogue,” he said.
The integration of education and healthcare into Kosovo’s system was also described as inevitable by the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly from the Serbian community, Nenad Rashiq.
However, he stressed that practical methods must be found to implement this in line with Kosovo’s laws and Constitution.
“Several times I have insisted on preparing for what I previously called inevitable, if this happens. This involves finding suitable modalities for integration into the Kosovar system. I want to remind that every agreement emphasized that the agreement must be harmonized with the Constitution and laws of Kosovo. Whatever happens later must comply with Kosovo’s Constitution and laws,” Rashiq said.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti recently held a meeting with ambassadors accredited to Kosovo, presenting plans to begin gradual integration of the Serbian healthcare and education systems into Kosovo’s structures, while requesting coordination with the European Union.
