Serbia’s foreign minister, Ivica Dacic, asserted that Belgrade does not accept any recognition of Kosovo through a deal brokered by the European Union or the United States. He emphasized that such recognition is not part of the agreements reached between Belgrade and Pristina and is not something the talks ever contemplated. According to Dacic, the text in question reflects a broader process aimed at normalizing relations rather than resolving the ultimate status of Kosovo. This distinction is critical, he noted, because the document does not imply mutual recognition or any consent beyond Serbia’s red lines.
Dacic explained that the agreement acknowledges the differing positions held by Belgrade and Pristina on the Kosovo issue. He stressed that the parties only undertook a path toward normalizing their diplomatic and practical ties, not redefining or accepting Kosovo’s status. When pressed on whether different status interpretations could be read as recognition, he reiterated that Serbia’s red lines remain firm: no recognition of Kosovo, no acceptance of Kosovo membership in the United Nations, and a clear commitment to avoid any acts that would imply a change in status. The foreign minister described the document as an instrument for practical normalization rather than a framework for resolving sovereignty questions.
The statements come amid ongoing international efforts to stabilize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. The European Union has signaled that it intends to link progress on normalization with concrete investment promises designed to bolster economic development and regional stability. The prospect of EU-backed investments is presented as a leverage point to encourage both sides to adhere to a steady, incremental path toward improving everyday life for citizens, while avoiding moves that could complicate the status debate. This approach underscores the nuanced balance that the EU seeks to maintain between facilitating practical cooperation and respecting the sensitive political realities surrounding Kosovo’s status. The focus remains on building functional cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, and civil administration, with appearances of progress serving as a step toward broader regional stability. (Source attribution: TASS)