The borders in the Balkans are and must remain inviolable, was the message that Manuel Sarrazin gave in May 2021 when he commented on the non-papers that brought back into focus the issue of changing the borders as a final solution to the crises in the Balkans. Today, the former deputy of the Greens has been appointed special envoy of the German Government for the Western Balkans.
It was the rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Viola von Cramon, who on Friday gave support to Sarrazin in the new function. She said that the Western Balkans needs a more powerful and principled support from the EU and that there was no better person who could have taken the role.
In an interview for "DW", last year, Sarrazin said that the "tests" (non-papers) should receive a clear response from Germany and the European Union.
"Borders in the region are inviolable and should remain so", he said, supporting the position of the former German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, who, during a visit to Kosovo, said that this country is against the exchange of territories as a solution. of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. "The idea of ethnic demarcation belongs to historical shredders", said Sarrazini.
Regarding the debate on whether there should be an exchange of territories between Kosovo and Serbia, Sarrazini said that there will be attempts to revive discussions even after the departure of Angela Merkel. However, he added the clear position that the Greens have a "clear position" against.
The German politician had said that the EU should have a stronger opposing voice for the divisions of the region. He also spoke about the issue of visa liberalization for Kosovo. It was stated that Kosovo has fulfilled all the conditions and that it is working towards liberalization as soon as possible.
Sarrazin is also known for the action he took in September for the general elections in Germany. He had swum to the polling station as a symbolic act for the Greens' promises.
Besides Germany, the United States of America (Gabriel Escobar) and Great Britain (Stuart Peach) also have special envoys for the Western Balkans.