German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after the meeting he held with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, in a joint press conference stated that if there is no political agreement between Serbia and Kosovo there will be no EU membership. “It is inconceivable that two countries that do not know each other should join the EU,” Scholz said, adding that dialogue is the only platform that paves the way for Kosovo in Europe. The agreement, according to the German chancellor, should also resolve the recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. He further stated that he is engaging with EU partners regarding the legalization of visas for Kosovo.

“I am glad to be visiting Kosovo as the first place during the trip to the Western Balkans. The fact that we are meeting a month after the meeting in Berlin shows how close our bilateral relations are. The Government of Kosovo has shown that it stands as a reliable partner with Western Europe in sanctions against Russia. In addition to bilateral relations, you also discussed visa liberalization and Kosovo’s position regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. Kosovo stands on our side and on the side of the EU. We also talked about the Berlin process, I want to revive it together with our partners this year and in the fall I will invite him to a conference in Berlin. The region needs to move forward in terms of creating a common regional market. EU-mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia to move forward. A reason for Serbia and Kosovo to find a political solution through an inclusive and lasting agreement. The way that opens Kosovo to the European perspective. A constructive attitude in this dialogue is in the interest of all citizens of Kosovo. The political agreement between the two countries is the important condition. “It is inconceivable that two countries that do not know each other become members of the EU,” said Scholz.

The German Chancellor arrived on the morning of June 10 at the “Adem Jashari” airport in Pristina, where he was received by Prime Minister Kurti, with whom he held a meeting with the Prime Minister. After Kosovo, Scholz during his two-day visit to the Western Balkans, will visit Serbia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece, where he will be present at the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit.