The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, have sent a joint letter to the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, in which they call on him to show "maximum determination and readiness" to take difficult decisions which lead to progress in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, under the patronage of the European Union.
Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz emphasize that the full normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is essential for the stability of the Western Balkans: "We are addressing you as the leader of your country, to appeal to you to show maximum determination and readiness to take difficult decisions, which lead to progress in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, under the auspices of the EU. The recent tensions have shown that constructive steps forward are urgently needed, both in practical and political terms".
The two leaders clarify the great attention towards the Western Balkans: "We are sending you this joint letter at a moment of crucial importance for security on the European continent and stability in the Western Balkans region. We are convinced that, in the light of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we must make even stronger efforts so that the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries becomes a reality and for the resolution of long bilateral and regional disputes".
Although it is not specifically mentioned, what can be read between the lines of the letter is the European message sent to Belgrade, specifically to Vucic, to consider a possible recognition of Kosovo's independence.
Macron and Scholz announce that they have assigned two of their foreign policy and security advisers to provide direct support to the EU's dialogue mediator, Miroslav Lajcak, in his efforts to reach a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.
The letter states that the advisers, together with Lajcak, will visit Belgrade and Pristina to examine the possibilities of pushing forward the process of normalizing relations.