The last developments - wherever you might stand politically, whether you’re pro- or anti-VV - are dangerous for Kosovo. To affect some change, however small it might be, some civil lobbying might be in order.
I will list multiple addresses here that you can use to contact different representatives of the EU, politicians and media. Please use these to reach out to the appropriate entities. At the very bottom of this post I am adding sample emails you can send. If you wish to write your own email I would strongly advise to stay very respectful, make your case in a very diplomatic way and mention the key points you are wanting to push forward. I will include some more pointers there too.
If you have any suggestions for people to reach out to please add them to the comments.
Write EU Representatives Involved in Recent Developments:
Write to the offices of Lajcak and Borell as well as any other representative in the EU. If you have any suggestions, please include those below.
- Office of Borrell (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy): cab-borrell-fontelles-contact AT ec.europa.eu
- Office of Szuyog (Head of EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative): delegation-kosovo AT eeas.europa.eu
- Please also use Europe Direct for messaging: Contact the EU | European Union (You don’t have to be a EU citizen to send a message there)
I have not found any email for Lajcak directly.
It might be helpful to also write politicians in different EU countries - especially Germany, France, Italy - and the UK. Obviously the US too. But that will be a separate thread.
Write Politicians That Have Been Helpful to the Kosovo Cause In the Past and Recently
- Thomas Waltz (Green Party, Austria, has defended Kosovo and asked for more equal diplomacy): thomas.waitz AT europarl.europa.eu
- Michael Gahler (CDU, Germany, has criticized the one-sided response of the EU): michael.gahler AT europarl.europa.eu
- Adis Ahmetovic (SPD, Has criticzed Germany’s chancellor on his recent tactic on Kosovo): Kontakt - Adis Ahmetović, MdB
Ask Press Organs To Cover Another View on Kosovo
- New York Times (US Newspaper): inytletters AT nytimes.com
- Euractiv (EU-specific Newspaper): Meet the Team – EURACTIV.com
- Le Monde (French Newspaper): courrier-des-lecteurs AT lemonde.fr (French only)
- Spiegel (German Newspaper, Mathieu von Rohr, Foreign Policy): mvr AT spiegel.de
- Foreign Policy (American Publication): support AT foreignpolicy.com
- Die Welt (German Newspaper): redaktion AT welt.de
- Tagesspiegel (German Newspaper): redaktion AT tagesspiegel.de
- Süddeutsche (German Newspaper): redaktion AT sueddeutsche.de
- Jasmin Mujanovic (Bosnian reporter and journalist): jmujanovic AT gmail.com
- FAZ (German Newspaper, Thomas Gutschker) T.Gutschker AT FAZ.DE
You can find a list of German media representatives in the EU here: https://bruessel-eu.diplo.de/blob/1497278/0a1f760b72beea0f47200fa582a128be/downloaddatei-journalisten-data.pdf
If you have any additional contacts please add them in the comments.
SAMPLE EMAILS
For the EU:
>Dear [Person in question]
>I trust this message reaches you well. I am writing to you in my capacity as a concerned citizen, particularly regarding the unfolding events in the Balkan region, more specifically the escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
>
>It has come to my attention that the actions and policies of Kosovo have been met with critique and disapproval by the European Union. While constructive criticism is essential in maintaining stability and progress, it is equally important to ensure that all parties involved are held to the same level of accountability.
>
>Recently, we’ve noticed an absence of condemnation for certain actions taken by Serbia. For instance, Serbian authorities have been encouraging voters in Northern Kosovo to boycott the local elections. The repercussion of such a boycott is not merely local, but is a matter that undermines the principles of democracy that the European Union staunchly advocates. Similarly, the arrest of three Kosovar policemen by Serbian authorities has also not been met with the expected level of reproach.
>
>Moreover, a recent exposé by the New York Times ( The President, the Soccer Hooligans and an Underworld ‘House of Horrors’ - The New York Times ) presented a detailed profile of President Vucic’s alleged connections to organized crime. This significant piece of investigative journalism, which should be cause for concern, appears to have been overlooked by the European Union.
>
>Additionally, Serbia’s support for Republika Srpska in Bosnia, despite the latter’s decision to disregard the ruling of Bosnia’s Supreme Court ( Bosnian Serb lawmakers vote to suspend rulings of Bosnia's top court | Reuters ), appears to be yet another action that has failed to draw the attention of the European Union. Such support could potentially destabilize the region further, threatening the already delicate balance of peace.
>
>While it is understood that the European Union and Kosovo may have divergent viewpoints on certain matters, it is worth noting that Kosovo remains a staunchly pro-Western, democratic state that embraces pluralism. This commitment to democratic values, unfortunately, does not seem to be mirrored by Serbia, which raises further concerns about the one-sidedness of the condemnations.
>
>I believe in the European Union’s commitment to fairness, democratic values, and human rights. It is from this perspective that I express my concerns and urge you to take balanced actions to mediate the Serbia-Kosovo tensions. Unilateral criticisms might undermine the delicate balance of the region and might also jeopardize the credibility of the European Union’s role as an unbiased peace broker.
>
>I am aware that these are complex issues and I appreciate your dedication and commitment to peace and stability in the region. I trust that the European Union will consider this plea and work towards a more equitable approach.
>
>Thank you for your time and consideration.
>
>[Your Name]
__
For politicians that have shown positive engagement for Kosovo:
>Dear [Person in question]
>
>I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to you in my capacity as a concerned citizen, particularly regarding the prevailing circumstances in the Balkan region, more specifically the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
>
>Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your courageous stance on the issue and your willingness to call out the perceived uneven handling of the Serbia-Kosovo tension by the international community. Your unwavering commitment to fairness and justice resonates deeply and gives hope to many who believe in a peaceful resolution of the ongoing dispute.
>
>I understand the complexity and sensitivity of the situation, and your ability to navigate these complexities while maintaining a clear voice of reason is truly commendable. Your demand for balanced treatment of both Serbia and Kosovo is a testament to your principled approach to politics and diplomacy, something that is keenly appreciated and sorely needed in these challenging times.
>
>As we look to the future, I would appreciate if you could share how I, and others who share our concern, can actively support your efforts and initiatives. Whether it’s spreading awareness through social media, engaging in peaceful demonstrations, writing to other representatives or contributing in any other way, I am ready and willing to contribute to the cause.
>
>Please consider me an ally in this endeavor. A peaceful and fair resolution to the Serbia-Kosovo issue is important not only for the stability of the Balkan region but for the integrity of democratic values globally.
>
>Once again, thank you for your steadfast commitment to the cause. I look forward to hearing from you about the potential avenues for further engagement.
>
>Best regards,
>
>[Your Name]
For media:
>Dear [Person in Question / Entity in Question]
>
>I hope this message finds you well. As a follower of your insightful reporting, I’m reaching out to discuss a matter of significant international concern – the ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, specifically the manner in which the European Union has been addressing these conflicts.
>
>In recent times, it appears that the actions of Kosovo are being scrutinized and criticized, while certain actions by Serbia are overlooked. There is a growing sense among observers that the EU’s approach seems unbalanced. This is an aspect that has not been given adequate media attention and I believe it warrants comprehensive coverage in order to shed light on the reality of the situation.
>
>For instance, it is of note that Serbia has urged voters in northern Kosovo to boycott local elections, and that Serbian authorities have arrested three Kosovar policemen, without a proportional response from the EU. A detailed investigation by the New York Times regarding President Vucic’s alleged connections to organized crime has also been largely overlooked by the EU. Moreover, Serbia’s support for Republika Srpska in Bosnia, despite their decision to ignore the ruling of Bosnia’s Supreme Court, adds another layer of complexity that deserves further exploration.
>
>The implications of these occurrences are far-reaching, and a comprehensive examination could lead to a broader understanding of the dynamics at play. Kosovo, while it may hold viewpoints differing from the EU on certain matters, remains a pro-Western, democratic state that embraces pluralism, a stance that doesn’t seem to be mirrored by Serbia. This discrepancy is a significant factor in the current situation and calls for a balanced scrutiny of the actions of all involved parties.
>
>Considering your distinguished reputation for balanced, insightful reporting, I kindly request you to consider a more detailed coverage of this issue. I believe that your insightful analysis and wide audience reach can greatly contribute to bringing this issue to the fore, encouraging a fair and informed dialogue.
>
>Thank you for considering this request. I trust that your journalistic skills will help shed much-needed light on this matter and possibly inspire a more equitable approach in the handling of these tensions.
>
>Best regards,
>
>[Your Name]
Important Points to Consider
- It is encouraged for you to write your own emails or rephrase or translate these samples of course. If you do so, please ensure to include the fact that Kosovo has primarily acted in a pro-Democratic and pro-Western fashion where Serbia has seemingly not.
- Please remain polite. It won’t help anyone if you are insulting or verbally violent.
- Only cite articles or newspapers that are considered reputable. Don’t cite someone’s blog, fringe websites or social media.
- If you tweet at people, ask them why they’re not considering something, why they’re one-sided. Ask journalists to cover the topic, to research it. Provide links from reputable sources.
- If you use tools like ChatGPT please ensure that the content of the text is actually correct as they sometimes tend to invent information.
- Please only email people via their public channels, e.g. email addresses connected to their public office, to their job at a newspaper, contact forms on the websites of the organ/press they represent. Don’t write people on their private accounts, private email addresses, etc.
Final Thoughts
This won’t change anything overnight. Let’s be realistic here. Yet it can be helpful to display some form of public pushback. If you have any additional contacts of politicians, organs or media that you think would be willing to speak out or cover this topic, please add them here.The last developments - wherever you might stand politically, whether you’re pro- or anti-VV - are dangerous for Kosovo. To affect some change, however small it might be, some civil lobbying might be in order.
I will list multiple addresses here that you can use to contact different representatives of the EU, politicians and media. Please use these to reach out to the appropriate entities. At the very bottom of this post I am adding sample emails you can send. If you wish to write your own email I would strongly advise to stay very respectful, make your case in a very diplomatic way and mention the key points you are wanting to push forward. I will include some more pointers there too.
If you have any suggestions for people to reach out to please add them to the comments.
Write EU Representatives Involved in Recent Developments:
Write to the offices of Lajcak and Borell as well as any other representative in the EU. If you have any suggestions, please include those below.
- Office of Borrell (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy): cab-borrell-fontelles-contact AT ec.europa.eu
- Office of Szuyog (Head of EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative): delegation-kosovo AT eeas.europa.eu
- Please also use Europe Direct for messaging: Contact the EU | European Union (You don’t have to be a EU citizen to send a message there)
I have not found any email for Lajcak directly.
It might be helpful to also write politicians in different EU countries - especially Germany, France, Italy - and the UK. Obviously the US too. But that will be a separate thread.
Write Politicians That Have Been Helpful to the Kosovo Cause In the Past and Recently
- Thomas Waltz (Green Party, Austria, has defended Kosovo and asked for more equal diplomacy): thomas.waitz AT europarl.europa.eu
- Michael Gahler (CDU, Germany, has criticized the one-sided response of the EU): michael.gahler AT europarl.europa.eu
- Adis Ahmetovic (SPD, Has criticzed Germany’s chancellor on his recent tactic on Kosovo): Kontakt - Adis Ahmetović, MdB
Ask Press Organs To Cover Another View on Kosovo
- New York Times (US Newspaper): inytletters AT nytimes.com
- Euractiv (EU-specific Newspaper): Meet the Team – EURACTIV.com
- Le Monde (French Newspaper): courrier-des-lecteurs AT lemonde.fr (French only)
- Spiegel (German Newspaper, Mathieu von Rohr, Foreign Policy): mvr AT spiegel.de
- Foreign Policy (American Publication): support AT foreignpolicy.com
- Die Welt (German Newspaper): redaktion AT welt.de
- Tagesspiegel (German Newspaper): redaktion AT tagesspiegel.de
- Süddeutsche (German Newspaper): redaktion AT sueddeutsche.de
- Jasmin Mujanovic (Bosnian reporter and journalist): jmujanovic AT gmail.com
- FAZ (German Newspaper, Thomas Gutschker) T.Gutschker AT FAZ.DE
You can find a list of German media representatives in the EU here: https://bruessel-eu.diplo.de/blob/1497278/0a1f760b72beea0f47200fa582a128be/downloaddatei-journalisten-data.pdf
If you have any additional contacts please add them in the comments.
SAMPLE EMAILS
For the EU:
>Dear [Person in question]
>I trust this message reaches you well. I am writing to you in my capacity as a concerned citizen, particularly regarding the unfolding events in the Balkan region, more specifically the escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
>
>It has come to my attention that the actions and policies of Kosovo have been met with critique and disapproval by the European Union. While constructive criticism is essential in maintaining stability and progress, it is equally important to ensure that all parties involved are held to the same level of accountability.
>
>Recently, we’ve noticed an absence of condemnation for certain actions taken by Serbia. For instance, Serbian authorities have been encouraging voters in Northern Kosovo to boycott the local elections. The repercussion of such a boycott is not merely local, but is a matter that undermines the principles of democracy that the European Union staunchly advocates. Similarly, the arrest of three Kosovar policemen by Serbian authorities has also not been met with the expected level of reproach.
>
>Moreover, a recent exposé by the New York Times ( The President, the Soccer Hooligans and an Underworld ‘House of Horrors’ - The New York Times ) presented a detailed profile of President Vucic’s alleged connections to organized crime. This significant piece of investigative journalism, which should be cause for concern, appears to have been overlooked by the European Union.
>
>Additionally, Serbia’s support for Republika Srpska in Bosnia, despite the latter’s decision to disregard the ruling of Bosnia’s Supreme Court ( Bosnian Serb lawmakers vote to suspend rulings of Bosnia's top court | Reuters ), appears to be yet another action that has failed to draw the attention of the European Union. Such support could potentially destabilize the region further, threatening the already delicate balance of peace.
>
>While it is understood that the European Union and Kosovo may have divergent viewpoints on certain matters, it is worth noting that Kosovo remains a staunchly pro-Western, democratic state that embraces pluralism. This commitment to democratic values, unfortunately, does not seem to be mirrored by Serbia, which raises further concerns about the one-sidedness of the condemnations.
>
>I believe in the European Union’s commitment to fairness, democratic values, and human rights. It is from this perspective that I express my concerns and urge you to take balanced actions to mediate the Serbia-Kosovo tensions. Unilateral criticisms might undermine the delicate balance of the region and might also jeopardize the credibility of the European Union’s role as an unbiased peace broker.
>
>I am aware that these are complex issues and I appreciate your dedication and commitment to peace and stability in the region. I trust that the European Union will consider this plea and work towards a more equitable approach.
>
>Thank you for your time and consideration.
>
>[Your Name]
__
For politicians that have shown positive engagement for Kosovo:
>Dear [Person in question]
>
>I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to you in my capacity as a concerned citizen, particularly regarding the prevailing circumstances in the Balkan region, more specifically the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
>
>Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your courageous stance on the issue and your willingness to call out the perceived uneven handling of the Serbia-Kosovo tension by the international community. Your unwavering commitment to fairness and justice resonates deeply and gives hope to many who believe in a peaceful resolution of the ongoing dispute.
>
>I understand the complexity and sensitivity of the situation, and your ability to navigate these complexities while maintaining a clear voice of reason is truly commendable. Your demand for balanced treatment of both Serbia and Kosovo is a testament to your principled approach to politics and diplomacy, something that is keenly appreciated and sorely needed in these challenging times.
>
>As we look to the future, I would appreciate if you could share how I, and others who share our concern, can actively support your efforts and initiatives. Whether it’s spreading awareness through social media, engaging in peaceful demonstrations, writing to other representatives or contributing in any other way, I am ready and willing to contribute to the cause.
>
>Please consider me an ally in this endeavor. A peaceful and fair resolution to the Serbia-Kosovo issue is important not only for the stability of the Balkan region but for the integrity of democratic values globally.
>
>Once again, thank you for your steadfast commitment to the cause. I look forward to hearing from you about the potential avenues for further engagement.
>
>Best regards,
>
>[Your Name]
For media:
>Dear [Person in Question / Entity in Question]
>
>I hope this message finds you well. As a follower of your insightful reporting, I’m reaching out to discuss a matter of significant international concern – the ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, specifically the manner in which the European Union has been addressing these conflicts.
>
>In recent times, it appears that the actions of Kosovo are being scrutinized and criticized, while certain actions by Serbia are overlooked. There is a growing sense among observers that the EU’s approach seems unbalanced. This is an aspect that has not been given adequate media attention and I believe it warrants comprehensive coverage in order to shed light on the reality of the situation.
>
>For instance, it is of note that Serbia has urged voters in northern Kosovo to boycott local elections, and that Serbian authorities have arrested three Kosovar policemen, without a proportional response from the EU. A detailed investigation by the New York Times regarding President Vucic’s alleged connections to organized crime has also been largely overlooked by the EU. Moreover, Serbia’s support for Republika Srpska in Bosnia, despite their decision to ignore the ruling of Bosnia’s Supreme Court, adds another layer of complexity that deserves further exploration.
>
>The implications of these occurrences are far-reaching, and a comprehensive examination could lead to a broader understanding of the dynamics at play. Kosovo, while it may hold viewpoints differing from the EU on certain matters, remains a pro-Western, democratic state that embraces pluralism, a stance that doesn’t seem to be mirrored by Serbia. This discrepancy is a significant factor in the current situation and calls for a balanced scrutiny of the actions of all involved parties.
>
>Considering your distinguished reputation for balanced, insightful reporting, I kindly request you to consider a more detailed coverage of this issue. I believe that your insightful analysis and wide audience reach can greatly contribute to bringing this issue to the fore, encouraging a fair and informed dialogue.
>
>Thank you for considering this request. I trust that your journalistic skills will help shed much-needed light on this matter and possibly inspire a more equitable approach in the handling of these tensions.
>
>Best regards,
>
>[Your Name]
Important Points to Consider
- It is encouraged for you to write your own emails or rephrase or translate these samples of course. If you do so, please ensure to include the fact that Kosovo has primarily acted in a pro-Democratic and pro-Western fashion where Serbia has seemingly not.
- Please remain polite. It won’t help anyone if you are insulting or verbally violent.
- Only cite articles or newspapers that are considered reputable. Don’t cite someone’s blog, fringe websites or social media.
- If you tweet at people, ask them why they’re not considering something, why they’re one-sided. Ask journalists to cover the topic, to research it. Provide links from reputable sources.
- If you use tools like ChatGPT please ensure that the content of the text is actually correct as they sometimes tend to invent information.
- Please only email people via their public channels, e.g. email addresses connected to their public office, to their job at a newspaper, contact forms on the websites of the organ/press they represent. Don’t write people on their private accounts, private email addresses, etc.
Final Thoughts
This won’t change anything overnight. Let’s be realistic here. Yet it can be helpful to display some form of public pushback. If you have any additional contacts of politicians, organs or media that you think would be willing to speak out or cover this topic, please add them here.public