Rohde and Guerot: Dialogue is the only option, there is no alternative

German and French ambassadors to Kosovo, Jörn Rohde and Olivier Guerot, emphasized in an interview with RTK2 the importance of refraining from any accusations during the investigation into the incident at the Ibar-Lepenac canal. They stressed the necessity of allowing the investigation to proceed without undue political influence and reiterated their countries' stance on dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, highlighting that dialogue represents the only true path to normalizing relations and improving living conditions for all citizens.

Dialogue, as they underlined, is essential for long-term regional stability and progress toward European integration.

Your Excellency, thank you for speaking with our program. Recent events in northern Kosovo have caused significant concern. How do you comment on the mutual accusations between Kosovo and Serbia regarding the explosion at the Ibar-Lepenac canal? Do you believe such incidents could threaten stability on the ground?

Rohde: The High Representative described this as a terrorist, serious incident. We are in the midst of an investigation, and I believe it is crucial for everyone to refrain from accusations that undermine stability and create fear among the population. So far, there have been statements, but we lack evidence to determine the perpetrators. Therefore, let the investigation run its course.

In light of recent developments, how do you assess the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia? Is a return to dialogue possible, or could the situation escalate?

Guerot: First of all, thank you for the opportunity. Germany and France share the same analysis regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. To answer your question, we are deeply convinced that there is no alternative to dialogue—it is the only way to resolve problems, normalize relations, and benefit the people of Kosovo and Serbia alike. A lack of results in the dialogue underscores the pressing need for progress to address the needs of those living in Kosovo.

The deployment of Kosovo's special police forces in the north, especially in Serb-majority municipalities, raises concerns among the Serbian population. Do you think these measures contribute to maintaining peace, or, as many northern Serbs claim, do they provoke fear and insecurity?

Rohde: Thank you for the question. Let me first echo what Olivier mentioned about dialogue: if you don’t speak to your neighbor, the problem won’t go away. Regarding your question, yes, there was a terrorist attack and grenade-throwing incidents. Police presence should be adequate, and I’ve heard that it has already decreased.

Another point is the role of Kosovo’s police. It is important to ensure the police reflect the country’s ethnic diversity. Recruiting officers from minority communities is crucial. I understand that 150 such recruits are in training. It’s vital to encourage this integration, and that responsibility lies with Serbian political representatives and NGOs to motivate their community members to join institutions.

Do you believe there is a real need for special security measures given the tensions in the region?

Guerot: I completely agree on the necessity of deploying police forces. In my country, infrastructure targeted by a bombing would warrant a strategic police response. Two key things are needed: First, continued cooperation between Kosovo police, EULEX, and KFOR. Both missions have our full support for their outstanding work.

Second, as my colleague pointed out, more Serbs need to engage with Kosovo’s institutions. The collective resignations in 2022 ultimately harmed the Serbian community. Encouraging Serbian participation in Kosovo’s institutions—not just the police—is crucial for their future. Kosovo should persist in recruiting Serbs across all institutional levels. The path forward for the Serbian community lies in active participation within the state’s framework.

How Could the Implementation of the Ohrid Agreement and the European Plan Contribute to Reducing Tensions and Improving the Situation on the Ground? Do You Believe Reaching a Full Agreement Is Feasible, and What Would Be the Key Issues to Resolve?

Rohde: First and foremost, as we’ve said before, dialogue happens when we talk to each other. We have a foundation: the Ohrid and Brussels Agreements. Both sides need to negotiate and engage in good faith rather than waiting until the last minute. There is a clear roadmap for normalization, and I won’t repeat that. Kosovo must do its part by starting the establishment of the Community of Serb majority Municipalities (CSM), and Serbia must fulfill its obligations by not blocking Kosovo’s participation in international organizations.

I want to emphasize this: sometimes you must take the first step and cooperate with the other side. For example, two weeks ago, Kosovar officials announced that Kosovo Serbs could register their documents issued by parallel institutions, transferring them to Kosovo-issued documents (such as birth and marriage certificates). This is very important—it’s a step forward, a mile toward building trust. Think about what happened between Germany and France after the war—that is the way forward, not staying entrenched in your positions.

What Would the 'Full Implementation of Agreements' in the Normalization Process Between Kosovo and Serbia Entail? What Are the Key Challenges at This Stage?

Guerot: The main challenge is mistrust. Trust cannot be built merely by words but through concrete actions and adherence to agreements. I want to stress what Mr. Rohde said: this is an appeal to all Serbian viewers living in Kosovo, particularly those lacking administrative documents issued by Kosovo institutions. Take this opportunity to obtain proper documentation. This is a positive gesture by the Kosovo government, and we welcome it. Now it is up to Kosovo Serbs to seize this opportunity.

To return to your question—what does full implementation mean? A great deal. Since 2013, many agreements have only been partially implemented. The Ohrid Agreement, reached in February, gives renewed momentum to this process. It sets clear goals and benefits everyone, fostering good neighborly relations. The beneficiaries of this are people living near the border—not only Kosovo Albanians but also Kosovo Serbs.

Recognizing documents, implementing steps—these actions benefit people on both sides. Kosovo must establish the CSM. The European Union has already prepared draft statutes, and we expect the Kosovo government to take the first steps toward creating this association, based on the EU's draft, and submit it to the Constitutional Court of Kosovo.

Recent Incidents in Northern Kosovo, Such as the Explosion at the Ibar-Lepenac Canal, Cast a Shadow Over Previous Agreements. Do You Think It Is Possible to Resolve Issues Like Eliminating Parallel Institutions, Phasing Out the Serbian Dinar, and Addressing Other Challenges Affecting the Serbian Community in Kosovo?

Rohde: To build on what Olivier said, there’s a framework for integrating parallel institutions into Kosovo’s governance, a commitment Kosovo made back in 2010. It’s not normal to have a foreign currency functioning within your territory. For instance, in Germany, we don’t have French postal services, nor do they have German ones.

We don’t criticize the suspension or phasing out of parallel structures as illegal, but we do critique how the government implemented these measures without fully considering the impact on the local population, who depended on these structures for social assistance. When the euro was introduced in Germany and France, there was a two-year transitional period. Such a transitional approach should have been adopted here. This situation should not persist indefinitely.

How Prepared Are Kosovo and Serbia to Implement the Existing Agreements? Is There Political Will on Both Sides to Carry Out What Has Been Agreed?

Guerot: That’s a question for President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti.

I believe that the path to the EU for both countries depends on adhering to what has been agreed. Normalization of relations has been agreed upon, and as an ambassador, I can only comment on what is happening in Kosovo. Most of the population supports Euro-Atlantic integration, and we fully support it. Steps have already been taken, such as submitting the CSM draft statute to the Constitutional Court, which is very welcome.

On this journey toward EU integration, which we fully support, the implementation of agreements is critical, and Kosovo and Serbia must demonstrate their commitment.