EU will confront those who undermine the situation in the Balkans

The EU will oppose those who undermine the situation in the Western Balkans, especially against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

This was stated by German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock at a joint briefing with her counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The federal government considers the European future of the Western Balkan states to be one of its most important foreign policy priorities and is doing its best to help on this path, Burbock said.

At the same time, she noted that Germany will support only those who act in the interests of their country, but not those who work to split and weaken their own country.

"Against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine, we, together with our partners, must and will stand up to those who threaten peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina again and again for their own selfish interests," the German politician emphasized.

Burbock noted that the candidate status granted to BiH in 2022 is an important signal. Now the country has to fulfill the tasks and implement reforms.

Brussels also expects each candidate for membership to ensure that EU sanctions against Russia remain not only on paper but are implemented in a very concrete way, the minister emphasized.

The German foreign minister also touched upon the situation on the border between Serbia and Kosovo, which has once again escalated. The EU calls on both sides to de-escalate and demands, as a first step, the immediate and unconditional release of the three Kosovo police officers detained by the Serbian side.

Konakovic, in turn, noted that "the story of Ukraine has changed the world and the united response of European countries and other partners has become a strong signal against Russian aggression and to all of us." He acknowledged that the granting of candidate status to his country was more symbolic and promised to do everything possible not to betray the EU's trust.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 17/06/2023