Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, a 53-year-old Green Member of the European Parliament from Halle, Germany, speaks candidly about the Serbia-Kosovo issue. The conflict at Europe’s doorstep is once again pulled into a cycle of nationalist polarization and populism, and the consequences are becoming visible. As the Parliament’s rapporteur on Kosovo and an experienced election observer, she voices deep concerns about upcoming European elections in June and the U.S. elections in November, fearing they could elevate forces less inclined toward reconciliation and de-escalation.
The envoy has just returned from Serbia, where allegations of corruption in the latest parliamentary elections won by Aleksandar Vučić’s party continue to surface. Is Serbia a democracy today? That question needs an honest answer. The assessment is sober: there is room to improve. EU values deserve stronger defense, and democratic standards in the country have deteriorated rather than advanced.
Von Cramon immediately critiques the Serbian pro-European opposition, suggesting that European leaders have been too permissive toward the Vučić government. In her view, the path forward requires clearer messaging: Belgrade is welcome in the EU, but the current Serbian government must meet democratic standards. Serbia must decide whether it wants free and fair elections, which, in her view, did not occur on December 17.
When asked whether those elections should be repeated, she notes that while such a decision lies with international observers and Serbian justice, it is not her place to dictate the outcome. Investigations into fraud and corruption are ongoing, and the final determination rests with Serbia’s institutions.
Regarding Kosovo, she points out that the Kosovo issue serves as a distraction for Belgrade, with Vučić managing it with notable political skill. The Kosovo prime minister, Albin Kurti, is equally polarizing, characterized by intense nationalism and populism. The two sides have, at times, supported dialogue but did not seize the moment to sign a normalization agreement. Vučić did not want to sign, and Kosovo has often been quick to blame Serbia. Yet the window for progress remains open, particularly as more right-wing voices could enter the European Parliament after the June elections. The possibility that a future U.S. administration under a candidate like Donald Trump could affect Kosovo adds another layer of complexity to the moment.
What about the United States? The decision-making landscape appears unpredictable. The envoy notes that an outspoken stance from Trump would signal an aversion to political agreements, while European institutions have shown willingness to support Kosovo but with conditions, such as resolving the status of the Serb minority in Kosovo. That issue remains unresolved among Kosovo’s political leadership.
On the prospect of U.S. missiles to Kosovo, she recalls past incidents in northern Kosovo that involved casualties and questions about who was responsible. The review suggests that variations in involvement by Serbian state elements and possibly official protection affected events. The alliance in the area, including NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), is seen as essential to safeguarding the region under current tensions.
Is there a risk of renewed armed conflict? The answer remains uncertain. While it is not clear how deeply the Serbian state is involved, sources indicate that had certain actors not been present, violence might have been avoided. Kosovo’s policy toward its Serbian minority is also a factor that needs careful handling to prevent further escalation.
Discrimination against Kosovo Serbs has risen, and anti-Serb rhetoric among Kosovo authorities has grown. The overall trend is worrying, showing that minority rights are not being adequately protected, even if the immediate concerns are not strictly about outright corruption. The broader picture calls for careful, principled engagement from all sides and a more inclusive approach to minority communities.
There is a fear that further events could occur if paramilitary forces from Serbia appear again. Meanwhile, more than 4,000 Serbs have left Kosovo since October, underscoring a sense of insecurity among communities that once looked to Kosovo for a stable future. Those who stay report growing discrimination, a reality that demands renewed attention from regional and European leaders to prevent a slide backward into intolerance and conflict.
Regarding Russia, her assessment is clear: Moscow has little interest in resolving the Serbia-Kosovo dispute. Its aim appears to be blocking any meaningful agreement and influencing outcomes to its own advantage, rather than contributing to regional stability. The focus remains on strengthening European and transatlantic partnerships to support peaceful resolution and lasting normalization.