Ernesa Shala is a JURIST staff correspondent in Kosovo and a recent graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pristina. She files this dispatch from Pristina.
Fearing that the unresolved situation between Kosovo and Serbia could worsen instability in the region, NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels this week, they discuss tensions in the Western Balkans, amid calls for a strengthening of the alliance’s military presence. THE terrorist attack of September 24 in the north fueled the concern of Western countries which
Russia may be trying to foment conflict in the Balkans to distract from its aggression in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated on the eve of the start of the foreign ministers’ meeting on Thursday, the alliance will consider increasing its
long-term presence in the region. “Rest assured that NATO will do whatever is necessary to support and ensure stability in the region, as this is important not only for the Western Balkans, but also for the whole of Europe and NATO” , said Secretary of State Stoltenberg who, together with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, emphasized stability in the Balkans.
The situation in the Western Balkans was part of discussions that European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had with NATO ministers. Mr Borrell said that the stability, progress and harmonization of the foreign policy of the countries of the region with the EU are of fundamental importance. Annalena Bearbock, German Foreign Minister said that in the Western Balkans, “peace is often at stake”, while indicating that Germany will send 150 additional soldiers next year, who will serve as part of KFOR in Kosovo.
Western diplomacy tried to accelerate the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, by asking Pristina to create the Association of Municipalities with a Serbian Majority,
while Belgrade de facto recognizes Kosovo. The commitment of NATO and its allies to ensuring stability and peace in the region remains unwavering. As discussions unfold regarding a possible increased military presence and diplomatic efforts, the imperative lies in promoting cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia. The path to a lasting resolution requires a commitment to dialogue and the avoidance of any recourse to violence.
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