Serbia and Kosovo are set to resume dialogue hosted by the European Union, aiming to ease tensions and normalize relations. The next high-level discussions are scheduled for September 14, according to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. He confirmed at a briefing following the informal gathering of EU foreign ministers that he would facilitate the talks between Belgrade and Pristina in pursuit of a constructive resolution. The outcome and tone of the meeting will shape the next steps in the EU’s effort to stabilize the Western Balkans and promote regional cooperation, with the European Union closely watching developments on the ground. These preparations underscore the bloc’s commitment to a sustained engagement in the region.
During a press conference, Borrell described the September 14 talks as a critical moment within a broader EU-led process. He noted that ministers view the dialogue as very important, and that the European Council is actively assessing regional dynamics to support stability and progress. The emphasis remains on de-escalation and agreement on practical measures that can reduce friction between Kosovo and Serbia, particularly in sensitive northern areas.
On August 21, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Athens. The leaders joined an informal dinner with regional colleagues hosted by Greece, and the discussions focused on advancing the EU-backed framework for dialogue, tension reduction, and the full implementation of prior normalization agreements. The aim is to foster a climate conducive to constructive compromise and to accelerate Serbia’s path toward closer EU integration.
Von der Leyen indicated that her conversation with Kurti centered on several key priorities: reducing clashes in northern Kosovo, continuing the EU-facilitated dialogue, and implementing agreements that normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. In talks with Vučić, she stressed the need for a practical, good-faith compromise to defuse tensions and to support Serbia’s progress toward EU membership. The overarching message highlighted a shared belief that closer EU integration for the Western Balkans is essential, particularly in light of broader security challenges stemming from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Earlier in the summer, Kurti pressed for the EU to act swiftly on restrictive measures imposed in response to non-compliance with de-escalation steps in northern Kosovo. Kosovo sought a prompt rollback of these measures as part of building confidence in the dialogue process. In June, the EU froze certain European funds for Kosovo among other actions intended to influence behavior and encourage restraint.
The tensions intensified in late May when Kosovo Serbs rejected mayors elected in four northern municipalities with Serb-majority populations, a move that sparked protests outside city halls and ongoing political friction. The EU called for the mayors to be accommodated in alternative offices until new elections could be held and urged the unconditional participation of Serbs in the political process. The bloc also called for the withdrawal of Kosovo’s special police units and for the removal of Serbian protesters from key sites.
Kosovo’s government, in mid-July, pledged not to take actions that would worsen the situation and, as an initial step, agreed to reduce the presence of special police around municipal buildings by a quarter. Belgrade, for its part, has accused Kurti of resisting de-escalation efforts and of blocking the organization of new elections in the north, while denouncing what it describes as growing intimidation and discrimination against Serbs in Kosovo under the Pristina administration, a concern echoed in EU discussions.
The historical context remains that Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move Serbia does not recognize. The European Union continues to mediate the dialogue with the support of the United States, seeking a durable agreement that will secure stability in the region and advance the prospects for residents on both sides of the border.