The European Union, in its Progress Report, has also addressed the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, noting that although the dialogue was significantly affected by domestic political developments, it continued throughout the reporting period through regular meetings at chief negotiator and technical levels, in both bilateral and trilateral formats.
The EU states that while some progress has been achieved, the implementation of outstanding commitments from the dialogue has remained limited, further complicated by unilateral actions and rhetoric that do not contribute to the normalisation of relations.
The report also notes that the EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, remains ready to organise a high-level meeting within the framework of the Dialogue as soon as circumstances allow.
“Both Kosovo and Serbia are expected to implement all relevant obligations arising from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation of Relations and its Implementation Annex (the 2023 Ohrid Agreement), as well as all previous Dialogue agreements, in line with their officially reaffirmed commitments from September and October 2024, without delay and without preconditions,” the report states.
For the EU, this also includes arrangements for the self-management of the Serbian community in Kosovo. The report stresses that Kosovo is expected to initiate the process leading to their establishment, while Serbia is expected to simultaneously begin recognising Kosovo’s documents, symbols and institutions.
“Neither party has made sufficient progress. The 2023 Ohrid Agreement remains valid and legally binding on both parties, and any formalities, including those relating to its adoption or ‘formalisation’, should not obstruct its implementation,” the report adds.
The EU further emphasises that the normalisation of relations and the implementation of Dialogue commitments remain essential conditions on the European paths of both countries, warning that both risk missing important opportunities in the absence of progress.
“During the reporting period, the situation in northern Kosovo remained calm but fragile. Actions and rhetoric that do not contribute to the normalisation of relations increased. Kosovo consistently took actions contrary to its obligations under the Dialogue, or actions that undermined the normalisation process. These included police and administrative actions targeting structures and services supported by Serbia, the arrest of Kosovo Serbs, and the refusal to accept the withdrawn resignations of Kosovo Serb judges and prosecutors, thereby hindering their reintegration. The European Union expressed deep concern on 21 July and 28 August, including over Kosovo’s repeated lack of coordination and the negative impact this had on local communities and their access to essential public and social services,” the report states.
The EU also criticises Serbia, stating that Belgrade continued to take actions contrary to its obligations under the 2023 Ohrid Agreement, including lobbying against Kosovo’s membership in international organisations, particularly the Council of Europe and INTERPOL.
“These actions, together with repeated inflammatory rhetoric by Serbian officials, continue to undermine the normalisation process. Serbia has taken no meaningful steps to ensure accountability for the violent attack of 24 September 2023 in Banjska, carried out by armed Kosovo Serb assailants against the Kosovo Police,” the report concludes.
