According to the MEPs, the dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, “unfortunately has not produced the expected results”, as they urged both sides to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities and for Serbia not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in Regional and international organizations.
MEPs have adopted a report on Kosovo that encourages the country to make reforms to move towards EU membership, but also calls on Pristina and Belgrade to open a new chapter in normalisation talks. “It is clear that Kosovo’s integration process needs new momentum – we need a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. It is extremely positive that all major political parties in Kosovo strongly support EU integration. Kosovo’s future lies in the European family and we will work together on the reform agenda because any future membership must be based on merit,” said Riho Terras, the rapporteur for Kosovo in the EP.
According to the MEPs, the dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, “unfortunately has not produced the expected results”, as they urged both sides to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities and for Serbia not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in Regional and international organizations.
Due to the crises in northern Kosovo, which increased tensions between the two countries, no round of political dialogue has taken place in Brussels since September 2023, but there have only been talks at the level of chief negotiators. The EU has repeatedly reiterated that the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is a prerequisite for both countries’ path towards European integration. Recently, the EU’s foreign policy and security chief, Kaja Kallas, said that Brussels is analyzing the mistakes in the dialogue process, which began in 2011. Meanwhile, in its report on Kosovo, the EP said that the country has made significant progress in electoral reform, economic sustainability and the protection of fundamental rights.
However, challenges remain regarding judicial reforms, media freedom, public administration efficiency and the digitalisation of public services. MEPs stressed that continued commitment to comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance is essential for Kosovo’s progress on the path towards European integration.
MEPs also said that Kosovo has been the target of foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, in particular by Russia and China, aimed at destabilising the Region and hindering the European integration of the Western Balkans. Therefore, “the European Parliament calls on the Kosovo Government to strengthen its capacities to counter these threats”, the EP said. On 7 May, MEPs also adopted a report on Serbia, urging it to improve internal political dialogue, uphold the rule of law and carry out anti-corruption reforms. Meanwhile, as regards the dialogue with Kosovo, the report said that Serbia “should work towards reaching a comprehensive normalisation agreement with Kosovo”, but also “fully harmonise its foreign policy with that of the EU”. (REL)
