Former German minister Michael Roth has reacted to the statement of Serbian minister Snezana Paunovic, who said that if she were in Slobodan Milosevic's place, she would have "ethnically cleansed Kosovo" back in 1998.
Roth called the statement sad and frustrating. According to him, it is absurd that there is no reaction from Serbian politics and society, when this country aspires to become a member of the European Union.
"A Serbian minister openly fantasizes about the "ethnic cleansing" of Kosovo. And there is almost no opposition in politics or society.
"How is it possible for a country to join the EU in this way? Hatred and nationalism do not build partnerships. This is simply sad and frustrating," wrote Michael Roth.
Serbian Minister Snezana Paunovic's statement has sparked numerous reactions in Tirana and Pristina, with Albanian politicians calling her "non-grata" and sending letters of information to diplomatic missions.
A Serbian minister openly fantasizes about "ethnically cleansing" Kosovo. And barely any pushback in politics or in society. How is a country meant to join the EU like this? Hate and nationalism build no partnership. This is just sad and frustrating. pic.twitter.com/YKUn2O8FVp
— Michael Roth ????????????????????????????????? (@MiRo_SPD) July 15, 2026