Kosovo Must Establish Association of Serb Municipalities for Council of Europe Entry, Says Ambassador

Kosovo must take concrete steps towards establishing the Association of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) in order to gain entry into the Council of Europe, according to Ambassador Rode on April 25, 2024. The establishment of the ZSO is a key requirement for Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe, as it demonstrates Kosovo's commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the Serb minority population within its territory.

U.S. Assistant Secretary Jim O'Brien stated that the United States supports Kosovo's path to Euro-Atlantic integration, but to move forward, Kosovo needs to implement the commitments from the EU-facilitated dialogue, including urgent progress on the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. O'Brien discussed the positive steps needed with Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

The German special representative for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, emphasized that while Germany strongly supports Kosovo's entry into the Council of Europe, the final decision on Kosovo's membership will be made by the Council of Ministers in May. Sarrazin noted that the rights of minorities are a key topic for the Council of Europe, and Kosovo has an obligation from the Brussels agreements and the Ohrid agreement to implement the ZSO.

Why this matters: The establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities is an essential step for Kosovo's integration into European institutions and for ensuring the protection of minority rights. The international community's focus on this issue highlights the importance of Kosovo's commitment to fulfilling its obligations and fostering stability in the region.

Sarrazin also stated that both Kosovo and Serbia must fulfill the Ohrid agreement, which includes the establishment of the ZSO. He added that Serbia should not prevent Kosovo from joining international organizations, as such actions are not in accordance with the agreement. The U.S. and European officials' statements underscore the importance of Kosovo taking tangible steps towards establishing the ZSO to advance its Euro-Atlantic integration and gain entry into the Council of Europe.

Key Takeaways

• Kosovo must establish the Association of Serb Municipalities to join Council of Europe.
• U.S. supports Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration, but requires progress on the Association.
• Germany backs Kosovo's Council of Europe bid, but final decision depends on minority rights.
• Establishing the Association is key to protecting minority rights and regional stability.
• Both Kosovo and Serbia must fulfill the Ohrid agreement, including the Association.