German Ambassador: Belgrade–Pristina dialogue must continue

German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph stated that the process of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina must continue, emphasizing that the dialogue is essential for the stability of the region.

Speaking on the television program Info Magazin on Klan Kosova, Rudolph said that Germany has invested significant efforts in the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina.

“When we speak about regional stability, Germany has invested considerably in the dialogue on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia,” Rudolph said.

Referring to the 2023 Brussels Agreement, jointly prepared by Germany and France, the German ambassador noted that the document was not signed due to Serbia's refusal, but that the parties had reached an oral understanding on it in Ohrid.

“This provides the basis for the European Union's continued and necessary efforts to advance the dialogue,” he said.

According to him, certain parts of the agreement have already been implemented, citing the establishment of the Commission on Missing Persons as an example.

“Some provisions have been implemented, although not in full. For example, the Commission on Missing Persons, established several months ago, emerged from that process,” the German ambassador said.

Rudolph also addressed Kosovo's European perspective, assessing that the prompt establishment of institutions with a full mandate is essential for further progress toward European Union membership.

“A signal needs to be sent regarding both our bilateral cooperation and our cooperation with the European Union. It is important to demonstrate that stable institutions exist and are capable of working on the European agenda. This is a national decision that will determine what Kosovo can achieve in its relations with the EU and what message it sends to its allies,” Rohde said.

Speaking about EU candidate status, the German ambassador stressed that Kosovo is entitled to expect progress on its European path, but that candidate status should not be viewed as a reward.

“I know that Kosovo is justified in expecting a decision on candidate status. However, candidate status is not a reward or a medal awarded after winning a sporting competition. It is merely the beginning of the serious work required to prepare for membership in the European Union. That requires institutions with a full mandate,” Rudolph said.

He added that it is not his role to offer political advice to any political party, but rather to encourage the swift formation of institutions.

“My role is, whenever possible, to encourage the formation of institutions and to point out what we can achieve together when we have counterparts with whom we can work,” the German ambassador said.

Commenting on the political situation in Kosovo, Rudolph assessed that the problem does not lie with individual politicians or political parties, but rather with the need to ensure greater institutional stability.

“The institutions exist, the Constitution is functioning, there is a caretaker government, and the system is operating. However, political solutions must be found within that framework,” Rainer Rudolph concluded.