Kosovo, Serbia stumble towards normalization of relations

Despite the progress confirmed by Borrell and the proliferation of congratulatory messages from European institutions and governments, both Serbia and Kosovo still do not sign the texts: neither agreement to normalize relations Neither of the 11 articles submitted by the European Union in February nor the application appendix were discussed this weekend. “To pave the way for the achievement of the strategic goal of joining the European Union, Serbia and Kosovo should normalize their relations. There’s no escape from it. And this agreement, and this annex, which is an integral part of this agreement, is an important step towards making that happen. Borrell said he will continue to work tirelessly until a global agreement is reached on the normalization of their relations.

According to the high representative, the document adopted by the parties at the meeting on February 27 reveals that they cannot resort to violence to resolve their disagreements or hinder membership in the EU or any other international organization. Kosovars It also provides for the de facto recognition for the Kosovo Serb minority of official documents, travel documents, license plates, diplomas or customs stamps of both countries and their national symbols, as well as self-government in education, health or the economy. red line for union of municipalities, Belgrade.

“We have reached a clear agreement on an annex to guide the implementation of the basic agreement,” the Kosovo president congratulated in front of the press. alpine kurti. “The other side, just like in the previous meeting held in Brussels on 27 February, refrained from signing the agreement and now the annex. Now it’s up to the European Union to find a mechanism that will make this agreement legal and internationally binding.” which wasn’t a D-day, but it was a good day.” Alexander Vucic.

“Hard Negotiations”

Borrell himself said that the dialogue and negotiations conducted by his special representative Miroslav LajcakThey have been difficult. “I don’t want to hide it. You don’t waste twelve hours arguing about easy things,” he stressed, but stressing the progress made and accepting agreements that, despite the lack of signatures, would become an integral part of the agreed agreements. Roads to the EU. First, Kosovo has committed to start negotiations immediately to ensure an adequate level of self-government for the Serb community in Kosovo, and both sides will support a statement on missing persons.

As the head of European diplomacy explained, the initial proposal from Brussels was more ambitious and detailed, but no agreement was reached. “We made a number of creative proposals, both in signature and content, but the parties were unable to find a mutually acceptable solution that was as ambitious as we proposed,” Borrell said. The European politician stated that he would not accept the agreement even though he was “ready to implement” the agreement “in principle” in the case of Kosovo and “in essence lacking flexibility” in the case of Kosovo. Belgrade, which is the same as five EU countries including Spain, does not recognize the unilateral declaration of Kosovo, which declared its independence in 2008.

The next step will be now inclusion of commitments It is in the framework of the negotiation between the EU and Serbia and on the agenda of the Kosovo normalization task force. “This way, both sides will stick to the agreement that will form part of their path to the European Union. We will forcefully demand that the parties fulfill their obligations. Failure to comply will have consequences,” the official warned, stressing that normalization will come with “significant benefits” and stability for the entire region. “This dialogue should be seen, in the current broad geopolitical context, as an important tool for maintaining peace and stability in the wider Western Balkans region,” he added. .Borrell will inform EU foreign ministers your result and EU Heads of State and Government at the top of the week.