Kosovo
Kosovo police operations (May 21, 2024)

France is concerned by recent Kosovo police operations resulting in the closure of Serbian postal savings banks in the north of Kosovo. These latest unilateral actions are fueling tensions and jeopardizing EU-facilitated discussions aimed at finding a temporary solution for people affected by the regulation of the Kosovo Central Bank. They affect the daily lives of the Kosovo Serb community and will undermine efforts to normalize relations with Serbia before moving forward with the EU membership process for the two countries.

France urges the Kosovo authorities to refrain from undertaking any further unilateral actions. It encourages both parties to return to the negotiating table and to work on the latest compromise proposal presented by the EU Facilitator – the only realistic basis for reaching an agreement that will allow eligible beneficiaries to receive financial transfers from Serbia.

Q&A

Hello, are the French and Israeli foreign ministers meeting today, and if so, where and at what time, and what is planned for the press? Will they be speaking to the press, and how can we obtain accreditation?

The minister spoke with his Israeli counterpart this morning. We refer you to his tweet on that subject.

On February 16, President Macron said that recognition of a Palestinian State was not taboo for France. Will the fact that other European nations such as Norway, Ireland and Spain – all EU partners – are making this leap potentially contribute to a shift in the French position or open discussions on this issue? And if so, what form might such discussions take?

Our position is clear: the recognition of Palestine is not taboo for France.

But that decision must be helpful – that is to say, it must lead to a significant political breakthrough. So it has to come at the right time, in order for there to be a “before” and “after.”

It isn’t just a symbolic question or a matter of political positioning; it’s a diplomatic tool to promote the two-state solution, with both states living side by side in peace and security.

France does not believe that the conditions are currently in place for such a decision to have a real impact on the process.