09.04.2026 Statement for open briefing on Kosovo (UNMIK)

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And let me extend a warm welcome to SRSG Peter Due, and thank him for his first briefing to this Council. Denmark looks forward to working closely with you.

I would also welcome the foreign ministers of Serbia and Kosovo to this meeting, as well as the head of delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

Mr. President,

A comprehensive normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo remains essential, not only for the people of both countries, but for the broader regional stability and economic development. The EU-facilitated Dialogue remains essential for both parties to advance on their respective European paths – an aspiration that Denmark fully supports.

2026 has begun on an encouraging note for the Belgade-Pristina dialogue. The recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Missing Persons represents an important step towards reconciliation and trust-building. Likewise, the recent agreement on civil registration and the implementation of the Law on Foreigners constitutes tangible progress, helping to ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential public services.

Denmark warmly welcomes these developments and commends the constructive engagement demonstrated by both sides, as well as the continued efforts by EU Special Representative Peter Sørensen in facilitating these steps.

Denmark also welcomes the offer by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to convene a high-level meeting and urges both parties to engage constructively to ensure that it takes place without delay and yields further progress.

It is essential that the parties build on this positive momentum and continue to deliver concrete results. In particular, full implementation of the 2023 Ohrid Agreement remains key. For Kosovo, this includes establishing the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. For Serbia, it includes refraining from opposing Kosovo’s membership of international organisations.  

The agreements are in place – now they must be implemented in good faith.

We note with concern the continued lack of concrete steps by Serbia to ensure accountability by bringing the perpetrators of the Banjska attack to justice. This is an issue that continues to negatively affect the normalisation process.

Mr. President,

After a challenging 2025, marked by two general elections in Kosovo, we welcome the establishment of both the Assembly and the Government. We hope Kosovo can also overcome its remaining challenges and ensure the prompt formation of all institutions. This is needed to avoid further political deadlock and to focus on the necessary reforms.   

Denmark commends the smooth transition of power in the northern municipalities following the peaceful and inclusive local elections last year. This was an important first step towards reintegrating Kosovo Serbs into Kosovo’s institutional framework. We welcome the increased cooperation in this regard, and note the importance of effectively addressing the concerns of non-majority communities in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

We note positively that the security situation has remained calm. We urge all parties to avoid any unilateral measures that could jeopardise this.

Mr. President,

Denmark commends UNMIK’s continued and vital role in supporting trust-building and inter-ethnic dialogue, in close cooperation with KFOR, EULEX and other international partners. This work is particularly important for young people in Kosovo, who represent a significant share of the population.

At the same time, the Council has a responsibility to ensure that mandates remain fit for purpose. Given that UNMIK’s mandate dates back to 1999, Denmark stands ready to engage in discussions on a possible strategic review of the mission.

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by reaffirming Denmark’s continued support for a peaceful, democratic, multi-ethnic Kosovo and its European aspirations as well as full integration into the international community.

I thank you.