The three most significant capitals of European politics and decision-making, namely Rome, Berlin, and Paris, have sent a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, through which they make it clear that the direct responsibility lies with him regarding Kosovo’s non-membership in the Council of Europe, unless he takes serious steps towards implementing the recommendations on the table of the Quint Group for Kosovo.

 After thanking Kurti for Kosovo’s application to the Council of Europe and the Association/Council of Serb Majority Municipalities (A/C SMM), the three centers of European diplomacy emphasize that unfortunately, Kurti’s proposed steps do not address the urgent need for decisive steps towards establishing the A/C SMM and risk further undermining the EU-facilitated Dialogue.

 On the other hand, Rome, Berlin, and Paris strongly criticize Kurti’s comments regarding the draft statute presented by the EU Special Representative for the Dialogue, Miroslav Lajčák, which seems to have been referred to as a “gentleman’s proposal.”

 “It is not just a “gentleman’s proposal.” It is a model,” the letter addressed to Kurti reads.

 “The submission of this draft to the experts of the Council of Europe would not constitute a necessary decisive step as their opinion would not be legally binding. This can only be achieved by submitting it to the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, to make it acceptable to the Court. As clarified with Brussels, there are no legal obstacles in the EU-facilitated Dialogue to take this step,” the letter states.

 On the other hand, the three European capitals draw attention to Kurti’s proposal to prepare a new draft in consultation with current mayors or deputies of the municipalities, which is neither suitable nor applicable to the current circumstances in these municipalities.

 “Prime Minister, let’s be clear: There is a real risk that without decisive progress on the A/C SMM, Kosovo’s application, the Council of Europe will not receive sufficient support from member states. Progress now along the lines suggested by the Quint would demonstrate your commitment to minority rights, thereby strengthening Kosovo’s position and re-energizing the EU-facilitated Dialogue. This is the only way to ensure the success of your application,” the letter emphasizes.

Paris, Berlin, and Rome stress that Kurti’s actions and decisions at this critical moment will be decisive for Kosovo’s aspirations for membership in the Council of Europe.

“The ball is in your court. We sincerely believe in your leadership,” concludes the letter from the three most important states of the European Union.

/k.s/