Bartolome: We support the European plan, but Spain's position on Kosovo remains unchanged

The Spanish Ambassador to Serbia, Raul Bartolome Molina, stated today that Spain's position on Kosovo would remain unchanged, and the fact that the country supports the efforts of European representatives Josep Borrell and Miroslav Lajcak to resolve the situation does not mean that the stance will change, Telegraf reports.

"Chapter 35 in the negotiation process talks about the normalization of relations, not recognition. In Spain's major political parties, there is consensus that even if there is a change in government, the stance will not change. The consensus on this issue will not change, at least when it comes to major political parties," Ambassador Bartolome said to Tanjug.

Regarding the current situation in Kosovo, he said it is concerning but expressed hope that negotiations would lead to a solution.

"We are very concerned about everything happening there because we see one crisis after another. We support the plan, the so-called Franco-German plan, or the European plan to find a solution. The situation is serious, but we hope the negotiations will lead to a solution. Our position is that we do not recognize Kosovo, but we support Serbia's attempts to normalize relations with Kosovo. I believe that much needs to be done because it seems that the agreements have not been put into effect. The Kosovo side did not accept the formation of the CSM, which is necessary and the beginning of a solution," he stated.

Regarding the relations between Spain and Serbia, he emphasized that they are good, particularly on a political level, with no outstanding issues, and that there is room for improvement.

"The fact that we do not recognize Kosovo contributes to that. President Vucic paid an official visit to Spain in February last year, and then our Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Belgrade in July. It was the first time a Spanish prime minister visited Serbia, or even Yugoslavia, as it had never happened before since we established diplomatic relations," Ambassador Bartolome said.

As he highlighted, the increased number of flights from Serbia to Spain indicates good relations.

"Now you can fly to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga, even to Palma de Mallorca during the summer. Political relations promote good interpersonal and economic relations, which are not yet as deep as they should be. Our trade exchange has progressed significantly. However, not many Spanish companies are coming, and there are not many direct investments yet, so we are trying to speed that up. For example, in October last year, we organized a large event where many Spanish companies came here. I hope that in the next year, economic relations will be at a higher level than political relations," he concluded.

Ambassador Bartolome emphasized that during Spain's presidency of the EU, which it will assume on July 1st from Sweden, Spain will have four priorities, including the issue of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans.

He said that the Spanish government had prepared a program for the presidency, with priorities including the reindustrialization of the EU and strategic independence, promoting the green agenda and environmental protection, social economy in terms of greater social and economic justice, strengthening EU unity, addressing financial issues, and the enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans and bringing that region closer to the EU.

"Enlargement is one of the most important EU policies, and Spain is favorable to it. We will work to bring the Western Balkans closer to the procedures. There is a possibility that in December, at the intergovernmental conference, clusters with Serbia will be opened, although I am not sure because there is still much to discuss, and we will see. Spain supports enlargement and the accession of Western Balkan countries, and Spain wants to see Serbia in the EU. Not only Serbia but all Western Balkan countries, because we believe that is their true future. There is still much work to be done. One of the most important things is harmonizing Serbia with the EU's foreign and security policy, which also includes imposing sanctions on Russia," he said.

When asked if the elections scheduled for July 23rd in Spain could affect the presidency, Ambassador Bartolome said it would not happen.

"This will be the first time that Spain has elections during the presidency, and it is not common. However, it happened to France when it presided over the EU Council. I believe that these elections will not affect the presidency because the main events have already been organized, and they will not be affected, even if there is a change in government in Spain," the ambassador said.