Little hope for progress in run-up to Kosovo-Serbia dialogue
As previously reported, on Wednesday, June 26, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will meet in Brussels for the next round of EU-mediated dialogue on the normalization of relations. The meeting has been confirmed by the Office of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. According to available information, Mr. Borrell will initially hold separate meetings with the leaders before they convene for the dialogue round together.
Context
This marks the first round of dialogue after a 10-month hiatus during which relations between Kosovo and Serbia have been tense, particularly following the Banjska attacks. Expectations are low, with neither Kosovo authorities nor its opposition anticipating significant outcomes from this meeting. Glauk Konjufca, Speaker of Parliament and a senior leader of Vetëvendosje, Kosovo’s ruling party, has ruled out discussions on the issue of the Association of Serb Communes, a key point of contention in negotiations between the parties. He also accused Serbia of “destructive behavior.”
The Kosovo opposition shares a pessimistic outlook on the meeting. They criticize Kurti for lack of transparency in the dialogue process and for pursuing negotiations independently despite the dialogue being a national issue.
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