Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
And I thank SRSG Peter Due for his briefing and welcome Ministers Đurić and Konjufcato today’s meeting, and I welcome of course also Ambassador Lambrinidis our head of the EU-delegation.
Madam President,
Denmark welcomes the formation of Kosovo’s Assembly and Government as well as, most recently, the election of a President.
After a prolonged period of political uncertainty, these developments provide an opportunity to restore institutional continuity and move forward with necessary reforms. We hope this stability will persist, allowing Kosovo’s institutions to function effectively and deliver for all communities.
This should also create renewed space for substantive engagement in the EU-facilitated Dialogue.
Madam President,
Denmark is firmly committed to the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans, including Serbia and Kosovo. Advancing towards comprehensive normalisation of their relations is integral to their respective European paths as well as to lasting stability, peace and prosperity across the region.
The EU-facilitated Dialogue provides the framework for achieving this. Its success depends on the willingness of both sides to engage seriously, honour commitments, and pursue solutions.
The practical progress achieved earlier this year demonstrates what constructive engagement can deliver. The agreement on the implementation of the Law on Foreigners illustrates how pragmatic cooperation can address sensitive issues and provide solutions for people’s daily lives.
These steps should serve as a foundation for further progress. Denmark applauds the sustained engagement of EU’s Special Representative Peter Sørensen.
The priority remains the full implementation of the 2023 Agreement on the Path to Normalisation, alongside all previous commitments.
Kosovo must move forward with establishing the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Serbia must fulfil its commitment not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in international organisations.
Both sides have responsibilities. Implementation cannot depend on each party choosing only those obligations it finds convenient. Sustained progress requires good-faith actions by both.
Madam President,
An inclusive approach within Kosovo is equally important to creating the conditions for normalisation.
We encourage further efforts to support the participation of Kosovo Serbs in public institutions and to address the concerns of non-majority communities. Decisions affecting these communities, including on property matters, demolitions and evictions, should be taken following meaningful conversations. Allegations of police misconduct must also be investigated impartially.
Ensuring effective representation of non-majority communities in judicial institutions is particularly important to strengthening public confidence in the rule of law.
Preserving calm is also essential. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid unilateral actions that could heighten tensions or undermine the dialogue.
The 2023 Banjska attack is a stark reminder of how quickly tensions can turn violent. We deeply regret Serbia’s insufficient progress in ensuring accountability.
We also call for restraint and full respect for the judicial independence of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Any challenges to the judgment must be pursued through the established, judicial appeals process. Any forward-looking initiatives to address the underlying legislation must reflect Kosovo’s international obligations.
Madam President,
Denmark commends UNMIK’s continued efforts to build trust and promote dialogue, in close cooperation with KFOR, EULEX and other international partners. We particularly appreciate SRSG Due’s leadership and active engagement with communities across Kosovo. The mission’s work to create opportunities for young people to engage across ethnic lines is an important investment in Kosovo’s future. Denmark encourages Kosovo to engage with the SRSG and make the most of the mission’s presence.
The Council must also consider how the mission can best respond to present needs. With UNMIK’s mandate established in 1999, a strategic review could help ensure that it reflects the situation on the ground.
Madam President in closing,
Denmark was among the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence. Over the years, we have supported efforts to build a peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. That commitment will continue beyond our Council membership, as will our support for Kosovo’s full integration into the international community.
We encourage Serbia and Kosovo to look ahead with a shared sense of responsibility and turn their commitments into lasting progress for their people and for the region.
Thank you.
