Luxembourg PM Emphasises Importance of EU-Facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue During Serbia, Kosovo Visit

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and his Dutch counterpart, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, travelled to Serbia and Kosovo as part of a working visit on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 July 2023.

On the agenda, as reported by Luxembourg's Ministry of State, were meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić on the first day and with Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the second day. These meetings were followed by a press conference with a Q&A session in Belgrade (Serbia) and another in Pristina (Kosovo).

During these exchanges with politicians in Serbia and Kosovo, Prime Minister Bettel, referring to the recent tensions in the region, spoke of the need to adopt solution-oriented approaches, emphasising in particular the importance of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, facilitated by the European Union. He also reiterated his belief that all parties benefit from the common goal of normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo, improving good-neighbourly relations and reconciliation between Western Balkan partners.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister once again encouraged both parties to promote de-escalation and investment in concrete actions that lead to stabilisation in the region. These actions include a de-escalation of tensions on the ground, the organisation of new local elections in northern Kosovo with the unconditional participation of Kosovo Serbs, the resumption of dialogue and the implementation of agreements, particularly the new agreement on the path to the normalisation of relations which was concluded in February 2023. He added that both parties can count on the EU as a partner during this process.

Moreover, Prime Minister Bettel emphasised that an orientation towards peace, security and the normalisation of relations would not only be beneficial for the Western Balkan region, but also for the European continent as a whole, which has been confronted for almost a year and a half with the consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

During their visit, the Luxembourg and Dutch Prime Ministers also met non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in Serbia (CRTA and Da Se ZNA) and Kosovo (Association of Journalists of Kosovo and Center for Equality and Liberty). The topics discussed during these meetings concerned in particular the freedom of the press and the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ people. Prime Minister Bettel expressed his support for the cause of the respective NGOs, including respect for the fundamental rights of everyone and the need for a diverse and independent media landscape.