a Mini-Western Balkans summit to address Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Macron for a case of dispute. Between Serbia and the Kosovo conflict, where the EU plays an important role has been brewing for years.
It is a larger round in the Chancellor’s office: Six heads of state and government from countries in the Western Balkans, Angela Merkel, is located in the evening along with the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
At the Meeting, the EU perspective of the countries of Albania, North of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
the dispute between Serbia and Kosovo
In addition, a long simmering dispute is on the Agenda. The between Serbia and Kosovo. Both countries maintain longer poor relations: The Kosovo, the majority ethnic Albanians live, was declared in 2008 independence of Serbia. Belgrade does not want to acknowledge until today. However, the EU must enclose-a candidate for accession of Serbia to all territorial disputes, to make its inclusion in the EU.
Recently had a worsening of the ratio of the two States, because Kosovo had collected one-hundred-percent punitive duties on Goods from Serbia. The Kosovar Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj stated that he would waive the tariffs only if Serbia recognise the independence of his country. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic from the castle, in turn, a return to discussions about it, as long as the duties are levied.
Kosovo government chief Ramush Haradinaj …
…and of the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic are not in agreement.
How are the expectations of the Meeting?
To the deadlocked dispute Merkel and Macron try now. To high, both sides did not want to screw the expectations, however. According to information from the Federal government to go to an “exchange of views”. The aim was, first of all, “to come up with all Parties to the conversation”. From Élyséekreisen it was said that France wanted to show in the Region of stronger flag. Merkel holds a European commitment in the Region is important, because China and Russia strive for there to be a stronger influence.
And what are the expectations of the guests? “At the Moment, I don’t understand how and what should I do with Pristina to talk,” said the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic last week. Kosovo President Hashim Thaci puts it this way: The summit “could open up possibilities, but it could also be disappointing”. Head of the government, Haradinaj, taking on Serbia is a tougher Position, insisted last week, neither in Berlin “at any other summit would” drop the punitive tariffs against Serbian Goods.
