Germany to continue Kosovo support under Merz, ex-ambassador says
The German state will continue its support for Kosovo even under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, who is on his way to becoming the new Chancellor of Germany, says former Kosovo ambassador to Berlin, Skender Xhakaliu, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.
He states that with Merz and the winning coalition in the German elections, CDU/CSU, Kosovo can advance in the integration process into the European Union. According to him, Merz is aware of the political situation in Kosovo and "will be committed to stability in the Western Balkans."
Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, won the February 23 German elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came in second and the SPD, the Social Democratic Party of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, came in third.
The Kosovo diplomat welcomes the CDU's victory, saying that Kosovo was also a focus during the period of former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In addition, Xhakaliu, tells KosovaPress that members of the German Bundestag have also been elected who have contributed to Kosovo and are closely familiar with the dialogue process with Serbia.
"Germany has been and remains the main supporter, as an EU country, of the Kosovo processes. In terms of economic projects or political support. Of course, with the elections that took place, and the future Chancellor Friedrich Merz, we will have support. The attention and focus of the CDU under former Chancellor Merkel has been for the Balkans, and especially for Kosovo so that we have economic stability and development. Therefore, I believe that it is very good that we have such a result and a broad coalition that will have support for Kosovo and Kosovo's integration into EU processes.", he emphasizes.
He also expects the strengthening of the Berlin Process - an initiative for cooperation among the six Western Balkan countries.
According to him, the German state is expected to prioritize the security situation in the Balkans and long-term stability, considering the war in Ukraine and the possibility of external influences.
"The Berlin Process has not received much attention from the previous government in the last two years. Therefore, I believe that the next German government will have more focus on these processes. It will be a more appreciated help than so far since the focus has always been on having stability in the Balkans.", adds Xhakaliu.
Speaking about the electoral process in Germany, former ambassador Xhakaliu, says that the CDU/CSU candidate for prime minister, Friedrich Merz, is expected to form a broad coalition with the Social Democrats, the party of the current Chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
He emphasizes that Merz will not form a coalition with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
On the other hand, the former Kosovo ambassador to Germany also speaks to KosovaPress about creating new institutions in Kosovo.
He says that Kosovo needs a stable government, composed of an inclusive coalition.
"As a small country and considering the dynamics of developments in Europe and abroad, Kosovo needs a stable government. It needs an inclusive government with a parliamentary majority because of the important decisions that may come. Also, because of the dialogue process that may begin soon and because of the rapid decision-making that is taking place by President Trump on many issues. Kosovo may also be a focus in the coming months. I believe that it would not be good to have a prolongation of several months for the formation of the government. The mandate holder is known to have the opportunity to form the government and I believe that other opposition parties will also be ready if an invitation is made for a possible coalition", he concludes.
