Rutte: Necessary de-escalation between Serbia and Kosovo

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that de-escalation of the situation between Serbia and Kosovo was necessary, stating that stable relations between Serbia and Kosovo were essential for further progress in the process of European integration.

At a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Rutte emphasized that Luxembourg and the Netherlands have decided to work together and engage in joint work with the countries of the Western Balkans.

"We are determined to strengthen our ties. The growing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have worried us. The violence against civilians, members of KFOR, journalists is worrying," he stressed.

Rutte underlined that it is important for Serbia and Kosovo to take steps towards de-escalation and normalization of relations through EU-mediated dialogue.

"It is of fundamental importance for the two countries and the wider region, but also for Europe as a whole. With the war raging between Russia and Ukraine, it is more important than ever that we act together. Stable relations between Serbia and Kosovo are essential for the prospects of further progress in the European integration," emphasized the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

He said that Luxembourg and the Netherlands support the European future and are ready to work with Serbia as it takes steps to improve relations with Kosovo, as well as reforms needed on the way to the European Union.

CSM is high priority; it will be the topic of discussion tomorrow in Pristina

When asked if they are optimistic that Kosovo will give in and fulfill its obligations from the Brussels Agreement, i.e. the only one - the Community of Serbian Municipalities, Rutte answered that he will be able to say that only after tomorrow's meeting in Pristina, but that the CSM "is high among the priorities of agenda".

"It is obvious that part of all the plans, from 2013, and the Franco-German plan, as well as the Road Map, is de-escalation, but that all these plans also include the formation of the CSM. It is clear that it is high on the agenda and we will discuss it tomorrow," Rutte said.

According to him, it is "undoubtedly part of a wider package of proposals and ideas".

"We will certainly address that issue tomorrow, as we did today, because we believe that it also requires work on both sides. Both Xavier Bettel and I try to be as neutral as possible, because as soon as we start saying - he is guilty, we are of no help to anyone. And whether I am an optimist, I can tell you that only tomorrow, after the meeting. It depends on the combination of talks today and tomorrow," Rutte said.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel added that actions were needed from both sides.

"But there are no taboo topics. I am not here to say nice words to one or the other. We need to talk about the facts. We are ready to steer things in the right direction and we are not here to replace Borrell and Lajcak, but to show that as friends of the Balkans we want to listen to everyone and be useful, if there is a desire for it and if progress can be made," Bettel said.

We are not here to judge, but to help

Answering the questions of the journalists, whether he is optimistic that Serbia and Kosovo will manage to come to an agreement and resolve the situation in Kosovo, Rutte said that the full implementation of the road map is important and added that he will discuss it with officials in Pristina tomorrow.

He added that intensive talks and attempts to help have been held since February, but new tensions have arisen.

"Efforts have been made to de-escalate and it is important that the roadmap is implemented. It is not up to us to judge who is doing more than the other, it does not help, it should be done as much as possible - to stick to the roadmap until full implementation about which we have been able to talk to the President of Serbia tonight. It is important for us, and we will continue with those talks," said Rutte.

He added that their goal is not to judge, but to be helpful, as leaders of European countries, adding that they also discussed other important topics.

"I repeat, the full implementation of the European road map will lead to de-escalation the fastest. That is our request," said Rutte.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands also stated that solving the migration issue is important, and that the Netherlands has a partner in Serbia in solving that issue.

He referred to the introduction of sanctions against Russia and said that it is essential to stop Russian aggression and for Europe to fight against "its negative influences".

Rutte also pointed out that the European Union is by far the largest investor in Serbia and its largest trading partner.

He also pointed out that Benelux countries are among the top five investors in Serbia.

"Several Dutch trade missions are in the process of arriving in Serbia, and they want to strengthen the partnership. I am convinced that we can continue to build a partnership with Serbia both at the European Union level and at the bilateral level," Rutte said, thanking President Vucic for his hospitality.