08.04.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Kosovo (UNMIK)

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Thank you, Mr. President,

I also thank Special Representative Ziadeh for her briefing. Let me also welcome the Foreign Ministers of Serbia and Kosovo to today’s briefing as well as the Head of the EU delegation, Ambassador Lambrinidis.

Denmark is a longstanding supporter of peace and stability in Kosovo. Not just in words, but in deed. Since 1999, more than 10,000 Danish soldiers have served in Kosovo. That support continues to this day.

We were also among the first countries in the world to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. We fully support its European path and integration in the international system.

Mr. President,

It has been more than 25 years since the horrific conflict in Kosovo ended.

Significant steps have been taken since then. Denmark commends Kosovo for these achievements, as well as UNMIK for its important and long-lasting work in cooperation with KFOR, EULEX and other international partners.

Across UN peace operations, we need to ensure that mission mandates reflect the reality on the ground. Denmark is therefore open to dialogue on a possible strategic review that could be useful for UNMIK’s future efforts.

We also commend the Kosovo institutions for the peaceful conduct of recent legislative elections that were inclusive and competitive.

Despite positive developments, challenges do remain. I would like to make three points.

First, a normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is essential. Steps to that end will pave the way towards a stable, secure and prosperous region.

The EU-facilitated dialogue offers the only viable path forward. 

We welcome the progress achieved during the reporting period, including on the establishment of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons.

We encourage both sides to continue to engage constructively, fulfil their obligations under all existing agreements, and seek compromise.

In this regard, it is crucial that Kosovo establishes an association of Serb-majority municipalities. And that Serbia does not oppose Kosovo’s membership of international organizations.

We welcome the new EU Special Representative, Peter Sørensen, and his efforts to continue taking the dialogue forward.

Second, Mr. President,

We are concerned about the fragile security situation in northern Kosovo. We regret that numerous recent incidents continue to generate tensions between Kosovo Serbs and the Kosovo authorities.

We discourage unilateral actions that heighten tensions, jeopardise trust, and impact the daily lives of individuals, in particular of non-majority communities. Better coordination and engagement with the communities is crucial and in line with the multi-ethnic vision of Kosovo.

The attacks against KFOR personnel and the violent attack in Banjska in 2023 are still clear and serious reminders of the continued and pressing need to deescalate tensions.

It is important that the perpetrators are identified and importantly, face justice. We deeply regret that Serbia has not taken sufficient steps in this regard.

We also strongly condemn the more recent attack on the Ibar-Lepenac water canal in November 2024. 

Third, Mr. President,

Building trust is key to lasting peace. Healing the scars of conflict takes commitment and time.

The political leaders from both sides have an important role to play. They need to set an example of mutual understanding and cooperation between the communities. Importantly, they should refrain from stoking tensions and engaging in divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. 

Let me also highlight that Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe. Ensuring good inter-ethnic relations between the young people in Kosovo is of paramount importance. We need to include the young people in shaping the peace that ultimately, they will inherit.

We commend the work of UNMIK in this regard.

Mr. President, to conclude,

Now is the time to consolidate the positive developments and to refrain from actions that serve only to heighten tensions.

2025 offers a new opportunity for progress. Denmark stands ready to support both parties, UNMIK, and any initiatives to that end.

Thank you.