21.10.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Briefing on Kosovo
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Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank Deputy Special Representative Mr. Shin for his briefing, and welcome Ministers Đurić and Gërvalla-Schwarz at today’s briefing, as well as the Head of the EU delegation, Ambassador Lambrinidis.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank Ms. Caroline Ziadeh for her work in leading the mission in Kosovo for more than 3,5 years.
Mr. President,
Denmark welcomes the peaceful, inclusive, and competitive conduct of the first round of local elections held on 12th October. We were pleased to see all communities take part in the elections, reflecting the spirit of inclusivity and democratic engagement.
We call on both Serbia and Kosovo to increase their commitment to the EU-facilitated Dialogue. As newly appointed Special Representative for the Dialogue, Mr. Peter Sørensen, has said very clearly: “It is time to move forward”.
Substantial agreements are already in place through the Dialogue. Now they must be implemented.
According to these agreements, Kosovo must establish the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. And Serbia must refrain from opposing Kosovo’s membership of international organizations.
Normalization of relations is in the interest of all people of Kosovo and Serbia. It would benefit regional peace, security and long-term stability.
Mr. President,
Progress requires restraint, mutual respect, and political courage.
Overcoming the current political stalemate in Kosovo is key for ensuring progress, reconciliation and building trust. In this respect, Denmark calls for the full respect of the constitutional processes and ensuring inclusive institutions and preservation of their multi-ethnic character.
We urge political leaders to be responsible in their rhetoric, recognizing the impact words can have. It is in the hands of you to lay the foundation for cooperation and common understanding between communities.
Denmark is deeply concerned about the situation in Northern Kosovo. We urge all actors to exercise restraint and refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions and undermine stability.
It is essential that concerns of non-majority communities are effectively addressed, especially in relation to the closure of Serbia-run institutions delivering essential services. These issues should be resolved within the EU-facilitated dialogue.
We further call on the Kosovo government to intensify efforts for the return of Kosovo-Serb judges, prosecutors and police officers to the Kosovo institutions.
We would also like to stress that Serbia needs to take all necessary measures to prosecute perpetrators of the violent attack in Banjska that happened more than two years ago.
Genuine commitment to these outstanding issues is the only way to build trust.
Mr. President,
We commend UNMIK for their important work in enhancing trust and inter-ethnic dialogue in Kosovo. This is especially important with regard to the youth, who make up around half of the population.
We also welcome the vital cooperation between the mission and the UN Kosovo team, as well as with other international partners, including EULEX and KFOR.
It is the Council’s responsibility to ensure that mandates are regularly reviewed to ensure that they reflect the realities on the ground. As the current mandate is from 1999, Denmark remains ready to discuss a possible strategic review of the mission.
Before concluding, let me reiterate Denmark’s longstanding and continued support of a peaceful, prosperous and multi-ethnic Kosovo. We fully support its European aspirations and full integration in the international system.
I thank you.
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