Germany with requests for Kosovo and Serbia in the cases of Arbnor Spahiu and Igor Popovic – Minister of State met with Sorensen
Express newspaper
31/07/2025 14:35
German State Minister Gunther Krichbaum met the EU envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue two days ago in Berlin.
The German minister said that his government fully supports the EU-facilitated dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and Sorensen’s efforts in this direction, Gazeta Express reports.
“We call on the governments of Kosovo and Serbia to implement all agreements reached without further delay, to refrain from any escalating statements or actions. I urge both countries to resume their full engagement in the dialogue process. This includes enabling free and safe movement, including for negotiators and their teams, as well as careful restraint in public statements, taking into account the respective mandates of each party.”
According to a statement issued by the Federal Foreign Office, Krichbaum said that Germany is ready to support both countries in advancing a sustainable, inclusive and peaceful normalization process.
Germany said it is closely monitoring the case of the arrest of Serbian official Igor Popovic by Kosovo authorities and the arrest of former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu by Serbian authorities. Regarding Spahiu, the German minister also called for the implementation of the Brussels agreements, according to which criminal offenses committed in Kosovo must be prosecuted in Kosovo.
“We see the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is essential for this. Dialogue and good neighborly relations are a pillar of a strong European Union. In this spirit, we continue to closely monitor the recent arrest of Serbia’s Deputy Director Igor Popović in Kosovo. Any measure of deprivation of liberty must be justified and proportionate.”
“We are also closely monitoring the arrest of Kosovo citizen Arbnor Spahiu by Serbian authorities and expect Serbia to fully and promptly ensure the proper implementation of legal procedures, respect fundamental rights and guarantee a fair legal process – in accordance with the Justice Dialogue Agreement which states that criminal proceedings for criminal offences in Kosovo should in principle take place in Kosovo.”
Krichbaum finally had a reminder for the parties on how they can become EU members.
“I remind all stakeholders involved, both in Kosovo and Serbia, that respect for fundamental European standards and values, in particular the rule of law, is vital to the EU accession process.”