Prime Minister Albin Kurti says EU-led talks between Belgrade and Pristina should center on recognizing Kosovo’s independence to unlock normalized relations with Serbia
The government head in Pristina, Albin Kurti, stressed that the long‑anticipated discussions, facilitated by the European Union, must address the status of Kosovo’s independence as a cornerstone for stabilizing ties with Belgrade. The claim comes as reports from DEA News highlight the role of EU diplomacy in shaping the agenda of any future talks.
Kurt i underscored that formal negotiations have not begun yet, and that the sessions to be arranged by Josep Borrell, the bloc’s top diplomat, should unfold at a high level to reflect their strategic importance for both sides and the broader Western Balkans region.
He added that genuine normalization cannot occur without recognizing Kosovo as a sovereign state. In discussions with European and American partners, Kurt i noted that all parties have agreed that normalization and recognition are inextricably linked. This stance emphasizes that mutual acknowledgment is not optional but foundational to any lasting settlement.
The situation also involves a broader political context. Kosovo’s leadership has repeatedly signaled readiness to advance dialogue within the EU framework, while Belgrade has emphasized that any path forward must be anchored in reciprocal recognition and the establishment of stable, predictable relations. The shift in emphasis from mere dialogue to a recognition-based framework reflects growing consensus among regional stakeholders who see recognition as a catalyst for economic integration, regional security, and European Union accession prospects.
Earlier developments indicated a shift in Belgrade’s domestic approach, with reports that the Serbian National Assembly unanimously approved the government’s examination of the Kosovo and Metohija negotiations after a two‑day public debate featuring President Aleksandar Vučić. This parliamentary backing signals alignment with the government’s stance on engagement with Pristina, even as the international community urges restraint and a clear pathway toward recognition and normalized relations.