The Western Balkans
Sweden continues to have a strong economic, political and human commitment to development in the Western Balkans. We want to support the European integration of the whole area. We are seeking a clear decision from the UN Security Council that will make it possible to obtain clarification about the future of Kosovo.
We must acknowledge that the UN Security Council has proved unable to take a position on the issue of the future status of Kosovo.
However, the present situation is untenable, and despite international law complications the European Union must therefore assume a special responsibility for the status issue and for state-building in Kosovo. After discussions in the European Union and after consulting the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, the Government will soon be taking a position on Sweden's future relations with Kosovo.
We aim for a coherent European policy in this process that is as united and as strong as possible. A divided Europe is a weakened Europe.
Sweden will continue to contribute to the commitment of the international community in Kosovo. This applies, not least, to Sweden's participation in KFOR.
It is only through more extensive cooperation in an increasingly strong European framework that the economic and political challenges of the region can be managed.
This applies not least to Serbia. We will continue to work for the European Union to keep the door open for Serbia. As soon as the conditions for doing so exist, Serbia should be given candidate status for EU accession.
We also continue to be strongly committed to Bosnia's development and European integration and are developing our relations with other countries in the region as well.
