European Commission Johannes Hahn warned on Tuesday that any solution reached by Belgrade and Pristina must not upset the stability of the Western Balkans.

The EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations told Radio Free Europe that he favours any kind of solution which would resolve biletaral conflicts. “A solution must contribute to the stability of the region and must not be at the expense of others,” he said, adding that every individual solution or bilateral agreement has to contribute to the overall stability and development of the region with the final aim of all six countries in the Western Balkans becoming EU members.  

He said the possibility of an exchange of territory should be left to the two sides. Hahn said the framework conditions are clear and that “we should think outside the box” to achieve something. “I think both sides are fully aware of the international, I would not say concern but limitations and I think many solutions are possible,” the commissioners added.  

He said that it would be good if an agreement is reached by summer next year “to move ahead with new steps”, Hahn said.

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