French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Tirana, called for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to strongly condemn the attacks in Banjska. On September 24, an armed group of Serbs carried out an attack in Banjska, resulting in the death of a Kosovo Police officer, with three attackers killed in subsequent clashes.

Macron emphasized that he has been closely monitoring the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and highlighted that it is the responsibility of both parties to take steps to de-escalate the situation.

“As you’re aware, we’re closely observing the tensions between Pristina and Belgrade. France and Germany have put forward a robust and well-founded proposal, which I believe should be respected by both parties. It is Vučić’s responsibility to unequivocally denounce the attacks in Banjska, as it contributes to restoring calm along the border. In the forthcoming phases, what we expect from the authorities on both sides is straightforward: the organization of elections in predominantly Serb-inhabited municipalities, the participation of Serbs in elections and institutions, and the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities by Kosovo’s authorities, without reservations. I anticipate that Vučić will act responsibly, and I have the same expectations from Kosovo’s President and Prime Minister,” stated Macron in Tirana.

Conversely, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that Albanians in the region are currently enjoying their best days, while Kosovo, as he described it, has ensnared itself in a predicament.

“We discussed the situation with Kurti and Brnabić at the summit yesterday. I’m sharing a word from Mark Rutte when he addressed both of them: ‘Never forget that a compromise beyond what you will gain is what you must not lose’. If we calculate what Albanians stand to lose, it’s far greater and more costly than the benefits we aim to gain, the welfare advantages we won’t surrender”.

“Albanians in the region are in the prime of their days. Kosovo has ensnared itself in a trap. Losing the opportunity to enter the EU would be a calamity. Both parties have a plan, the French-German one, which presents the best course of action for Kosovo,” Rama said.

He recounted an example shared by former U.S. President Bill Clinton during his visit to Albania.

“Tell my friends in Pristina how it happened to Palestine (before the attacks began). Arafat had the best possible agreement on the table; Israel said it would sign it but Arafat changed his mind the next day. Palestine was destroyed not by Israel but by its own political class. Kosovo’s significant advantage is to sign and fully execute the entire agreement, even if Serbia never desires it, and then entrust it to the EU,” he recalled.

Macron: My visit to Tirana reflects France’s renewed commitment to the region

French President Emmanuel Macron stated during his visit to Tirana that his presence signifies France’s revitalized dedication to Albania and the Balkans.

This historical event marks the first visit by a French president to Albania, commencing on Monday evening. Macron held discussions with Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Rama, with both governments formalizing several agreements.

“I am delighted to be here with you during such a critical moment in Europe. Standing beside you is a testament to France’s reaffirmed commitment to your nation and the entire region. I firmly believe that your country’s integration into Europe is firmly anchored. We are embarking on a new era of reunifying our continent. Albania’s journey towards European Union integration is an irreversible process,” Macron stated.

In addition to these diplomatic gestures, Macron also pledged 600 million euros in support for Albania through collaborative projects.

Prime Minister Edi Rama conveyed to the French President that Albania is poised to become the “European hub” in the Balkans, acknowledging that several substantial reforms still need to be enacted.

Rama underlined that Albania is not seeking any “preferential treatment” on the path to EU accession.

He commented, “Our responsibilities must be fulfilled step by step. Albania doesn’t seek a specific accession date, as it remains an unmet aspiration. We are committed to this process to transform our nation’s history, rather than simply to seek the approval of France or any other country”.

Meanwhile, Albanian President Bajram Begaj expressed gratitude to President Macron for his support in facilitating dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, particularly through the French-German plan.

Begaj emphasized the importance of continued support for the dialogue and called for the condemnation and prevention of acts of violence and provocations in Kosovo’s northern municipalities.

Macron initiated his historic visit to Tirana by bestowing a prestigious award from the French Republic, the “Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor”, upon the celebrated Albanian writer Ismail Kadare.