There are several criteria that certain countries, including Serbia, need to fulfill to integrate into the European Union, and the recognition of Kosovo is a precondition for that, stated yesterday in Prishtina the German Minister for Europe, Günter Gloser.

 

Minister Gloser, during the day met with President Fatmir Sejdiu, Vice-prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi and Foreign Minister Skënder Hyseni. 

Regardless of the positive steps, Kosovo still has lots of challenges ahead, including the economic ones on which Germany and other EU countries are willing to offer the necessary help, said Gloser. Gloser also stated that Kosovo institutions should continue the implementation of the Ahtisaari plan on the points that deal with the integration of Serb minority.

“For the integration of Serb minority there needs to be an engagement by Serbs themselves. However, we hope that with the creation of the new government in Serbia there will be a positive change so that both countries can cooperate in the future. Although these are matters that won’t change with the press of a button,” said Gloser.

Speaking on the recognition of Kosovo by countries in the region, including Serbia, German Minister Gloser said that a precondition for Serbia, to integrate in European structures will be the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

“The whole Balkan region has a European perspective and the criteria are determined for every country. There are some criteria which must be respected for integration into the EU, so it should be the precondition of recognition of Kosovo independence from certain countries, including Serbia,” said Gloser.

Whereas Kosovo Foreign Minister Skënder Hyseni after the meeting stated that in autumn, after the session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, a new wave of countries is expected to recognize Kosovo as sovereign and independent. Gloser said that the German Government among other things has lobbied for the independence of Kosovo. He also promised Germany’s involvement in the donor’s conference for Kosovo to take place in this week.