Germany’s Dirk Schuebel has started his mandate as the new European Union Ambassador to Kosovo.
Schuebel has called for the rapid formation of Kosovo’s institutions. He said functioning institutions would allow the EU to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the support available to the country.
“There is an important window of opportunity ahead,” Schuebel said. He stressed that Kosovo needs effective institutions to carry out reforms and fully benefit from the EU Growth Plan and future IPA funding.
However, he said Kosovo must show political responsibility and focus on reforms and European integration to take advantage of these opportunities.
Meanwhile, Schuebel pledged to support Kosovo’s path toward the EU. He urged political forces to treat European integration as a priority beyond political divisions.
“I will support Kosovo’s European future,” he said. “Achieving it requires the engagement of the entire society and a shared commitment to make EU integration a priority beyond political divisions.”
Schuebel will also support Kosovo’s participation in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia. He will work with EU Special Representative for the Dialogue Peter Sørensen to support progress toward normalizing relations.
In addition, Schuebel welcomed Kosovo’s voluntary alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
According to the EU, the bloc has provided Kosovo with more than €3.7 billion in assistance since 1999. The support has covered reconstruction, institution-building, the rule of law, economic development and opportunities for young people.
“Together, we can turn Kosovo’s European aspirations into tangible progress for all its citizens,” Schuebel said.
The German diplomat brings extensive experience in EU institutions. He served as EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation in Belarus from 2019 to 2022. He also held the same position in Moldova from 2009 to 2013.
Before moving to Kosovo, Schuebel headed the Russia Division at the European External Action Service.
In his new role, he will work alongside newly appointed EU Deputy Head of Office in Kosovo Alexis Hupin and the EU team.
/a.c/
The post New EU Ambassador Dirk Schuebel begins his mission in Kosovo appeared first on RTSH English.
