Osmani: Germany is Kosovo’s ally; Wadephul: Progress in Dialogue and formation of the CSM is needed

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani stated at a press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul that his visit to Kosovo confirms the words of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the EU is not complete without the Western Balkans.

“Germany is Kosovo’s ally. Many people of Kosovo origin live in Germany—they are the bridge between our two countries,” Osmani said.

She thanked the German KFOR soldiers for their engagement and added that Kosovo is firmly committed to its path toward the EU and NATO.

“The lifting of measures that had a negative impact on us is of great importance; for this, we need Germany’s support. We also need support on our path toward the EU,” Osmani said.

She added that Germany is one of Kosovo’s major economic partners and that Kosovo has excellent potential.

She expressed gratitude for Germany’s continuous support.

“We believe in Germany as a reliable and strategic partner, and we are determined to build an even better society,” she stated.

Wadephul: Progress in the dialogue and the establishment of the CSM are needed

Wadephul emphasized that the partnership between Kosovo and Germany is close, recalling that Germany recognized Kosovo’s independence only a few days after its declaration.

“The main themes are security and the future. It is good to know that Kosovo stands shoulder to shoulder with us. We must show Russia that such attitudes and disinformation have no place in Europe. Since the war, Kosovo has been a true success story, and for that success to continue, Kosovo needs a functional government—which voters have been expecting for eight months. Kosovo has the strength and determination to work on reforms, and Germany stands ready to support you with all its capacities,” he said.

He added that KFOR is the most important mission for preserving security in the region.

“It is important that the situation remains calm and that we do not see a repeat of 2023,” the minister stated.

“Germany supports the dialogue, but the process has stagnated in recent months. It is now essential to achieve progress. For Kosovo, it is important to take steps toward establishing the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities,” he said.

Berlin Process important for the region

He stressed that the Berlin Process is very important for the region.

“For us, it is clear that all six countries can become part of the EU, including Kosovo. We can achieve rapid progress; people here are eager for Europe,” he noted.

Wadephul added that during his visit to the Western Balkans he understood how important Germany is for the countries of the region.

Asked about consultations with political parties in Kosovo, Osmani said she could not predict the outcome.

“I cannot prejudge what will happen tomorrow in the Parliament, but if we do not succeed, we must move on to budgetary issues so that our institutions can function properly. We do not want Kosovo to enter a crisis,” Osmani said.

Wadephul arrived in Pristina after visiting Belgrade, where he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, reiterating that progress in the dialogue with Kosovo is key to Serbia’s path toward EU membership.

As part of his Western Balkans tour, Wadephul has already visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, and will conclude his visit tomorrow in North Macedonia.