Scholz and Macron conveyed the demands - new elections are needed in the north and the CSM

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today conveyed to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani their demands for de-escalation of the situation in Kosovo - new elections in the north and the formation of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities.

"The first request is to hold new elections in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo as soon as possible, with the participation of the Serbs. Then, as a priority, and without delay, approach the formation of the CSM," Macron said in a statement to journalists.

He said that now both sides would hold consultations and come up with clear answers the following week.

At the same time, as he added, the High EU Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, would have the opportunity to organize a meeting at the level of the main negotiators on the issue of the CSM.

Macron said that he and Olaf Scholz had first spoken separately with Vucic and Osmani, and then they had had a joint meeting.

"As you know, Germany and France proposed a plan for the normalization of relations, which the parties accepted and which should be implemented," he reminded.

He said that now there were tensions in the north of Kosovo, which were related to the elections, which had been organized, unfortunately, although there had been no guarantees that they would be well conducted.

"Four mayors were elected with less than five percent of the vote, which is not a requirement for legitimacy," the French President explained.

Chancellor Scholz, speaking to the media, said that together with Macron, he had tried to contribute to the reduction of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as between Kosovo and Serbia.

"The situation in Kosovo is serious and requires the courage of both sides to de-escalate. We should take advantage of the opportunities provided by the European agreement that is on the table, and not miss this opportunity just because we lack the courage," Scholz added.

He emphasized that it was now important for the two sides to do everything to de-escalate the situation and return to the "spirit of understanding".

That, he added, meant that citizens could participate in the elections, but that also included the formation of the CSM.

Scholz emphasized that everyone should contribute to get out of the spiral of tensions.