The aggravation of the situation in Kosovo and Serbia's aggressive policy towards Kosovo show how important our European solidarity is.

Russia does not recognize Kosovo and considers this country to be Serbian. Kremlin propagandists say it is necessary to arrange in the Balkans "the same order as Putin did on February 24". Representatives of Serbian President Vučić's party called for the "denazification of the Balkans". Russia, together with Serbia, is trying to provoke a war and justifies its actions with a nationalist issue.

For peace in Europe we must prevent Russia from expanding its war into the Balkans. We have to stick together all the more now.

Today Kosovo applied for membership of the European Union. In order for it to be included, it needs to be recognized by all EU member states. Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia and Romania have still not recognized Kosovo. That must change as soon as possible so that Kosovo, like all other countries in the Balkans, can become a candidate country and the way for Kosovo to join the EU is free.

We want peace on our continent. We have to do something for that. It doesn't come and stay by itself. It is time to resolve old conflicts and move towards a common, peaceful future in Europe. And the next important step is the recognition of Kosovo