In a recent marathon of negotiations, Kosovo and Serbia, guided by the European Union, moved closer to a framework for normalizing relations. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, announced that after long, intensive talks the two sides reached an agreement on the process and timing for implementation, promising to proceed with good faith. Borrell noted that the discussions extended for twelve hours, and while the final texts were not signed during the weekend, both sides agreed on how the implementation should proceed. The talks took place in Ohrid, a town in North Macedonia, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti leading their respective delegations. The EU described the day as one of substantive progress rather than a finished deal, emphasizing the importance of taking concrete steps toward broader European integration.
Despite the visible progress highlighted by Borrell and a wave of messages from European institutions and member states, neither country had signed the formal text for normalizing relations. The agreement on the nine articles presented by the European Union in February and the accompanying annex had not been finalized for signature at the weekend session. The EU outlined that normalizing ties remains essential for Belgrade and Pristina on their path toward European Union membership. The annex is viewed as a crucial instrument within the overall framework, and Borrell pledged continued efforts to secure a lasting, binding agreement that supports both parties on their EU road map.
We have a deal
Kosovo and Serbia commit to implementing an Annex to the broader normalization agreement
Both sides undertook to fully respect the treaty’s provisions and to fulfill their obligations in good faith. The posted messages on social media from the EU representatives reflected a cautious optimism, awaiting final ratification. This signals a shared commitment to the agreement’s core principles while acknowledging that additional steps are needed for full legal effect. The diplomatic tone underscored the importance of keeping the process moving and maintaining momentum toward EU integration. The message from the EU indicated the document adopted at the February 27 meeting set guardrails that prevent violence and safeguard cooperation on essential cross border issues.
According to the high representative, the February document outlines that both sides cannot resort to violence to resolve disputes or block EU or other international engagements, and it confirms recognition pathways for the Kosovo Serb minority in areas like official documents, travel papers, license plates, diplomas, and other national symbols. It also confirms further self-government in critical sectors such as education, health, and the economy, while reinforcing a red line around the union of municipalities as a sensitive topic for Belgrade. The Kosovo president welcomed the step, noting that the discussion now shifts to how the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia will translate commitments into practical governance.
Vucic remarked that the annex would guide the implementation of the fundamental agreement and that the other side, as in the Brussels meeting of February 27, chose not to sign the annex yet. He stressed that it is now the EU’s responsibility to devise a mechanism that makes the agreement legally binding and internationally enforceable. The day was not designated a decisive D-day, but it was celebrated as a meaningful milestone by both sides and observers.
Hard Negotiations
Borrell confirmed that the dialogue led by his special representative Miroslav Lajcak has involved tough bargaining. He acknowledged that lengthy and difficult talks were necessary, and that the parties reached a framework that will be incorporated into the broader agreement despite not having signed all pieces. Kosovo has committed to immediately initiating talks that secure a satisfactory level of Serb self-government within Kosovo, and both sides agreed to publish a joint statement on missing persons. The aim is to lay a clear path toward respected autonomy while keeping the broader EU objective in focus.
Brussels originally proposed a more expansive set of provisions, but a mutually acceptable compromise did not emerge at this stage. Borrell explained that several creative proposals were discussed, yet a consensus could not be reached that matched the original ambition. He stated that while the current agreement is not perfect, it is a solid foundation that the EU is prepared to implement in principle for Kosovo, with flexibility needed from Belgrade to ensure enforceability. Serbia continues to withhold recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, a stance aligned with the positions of several EU member states, including Spain.
The next step involves adding commitments within the EU-Serbia negotiation framework and integrating them into the Kosovo normalization task force agenda. The EU’s expectation is that both sides adhere to the obligations laid out, with consequences for noncompliance. The overarching message remains that normalization will bring stability and tangible benefits to the Western Balkans, reinforcing peace and regional security. Borrell plans to brief EU foreign ministers and EU heads of state and government at the start of the following week, outlining the path forward and the precise mechanisms needed to advance the agreement on a legally binding footing, as described by official channels and contemporary diplomatic reporting.