The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been accused of applying double standards in relation to the situations in Kosovo and Ukraine, a claim voiced by Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic. The remarks were reported by TASS and subsequently echoed by officials in Belgrade, who argued that the OSCE’s actions reveal a bias that does not align with the principles of equal treatment under international law.
In particular, Dacic criticized calls by some international actors for Kosovo to be fully admitted as a member of the OSCE. He argued that pressing for unilateral recognition or admission in the absence of a mutual, legally recognized settlement runs counter to the principle of territorial integrity that the OSCE itself upholds as a cornerstone of regional stability. According to his assessment, any attempt to reinterpret Serbia’s territorial borders in a way that fits specific political agendas would undermine a long-standing political and legal consensus that supports the integrity of states beyond any single crisis scenario.
“Territorial integrity cannot be interpreted through a personal lens,” the minister asserted. “The territorial integrity of Serbia stands as a core concern for our nation and for the international community alike; it remains of the utmost importance in global governance.” He insisted that Kosovo remains part of Serbia in the eyes of his government and underlines the necessity of approaching regional issues with caution and respect for established legal norms.
During the exchange, Dacic also commented on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, indicating that he places high value on respecting Ukraine’s territorial borders. He noted that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are supported by international law and deserve the same straightforward consideration as any other state facing border-related disputes. His remarks framed Ukraine’s situation within a broader context of upholding core principles that all states should observe, regardless of political alignments or external pressures.
Against this backdrop, the Serbian foreign minister urged the OSCE to refrain from actions that could be perceived as signaling a shift in attitudes toward the rights and status of the Republic of Serbia and Ukraine. He argued that any perception of unequal treatment or shifting commitments could erode trust in the organization and undermine collective security assurances that the OSCE is meant to provide. The central message emphasized the equal importance of territorial integrity for all nations, and he called on policymakers within the OSCE to adhere strictly to international law and consistent standards when assessing sensitive geopolitical changes.
In related commentary from Moscow, a former official at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested that the United States and some European governments have tended to overlook alleged rights violations affecting Kosovo Serbs. He warned that selective attention to human rights concerns could distort the public record and complicate regional diplomacy by creating uneven expectations among the parties involved. The broader implication stressed by this perspective was a push for more even-handed scrutiny of all sides in regional conflicts, rather than perception-driven or politically convenient assessments that may favor certain actors over others.