Miroslav Lajčak, the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, announced that this week marks the end of his nearly five-year tenure.
In a Facebook post reflecting on his participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lajčak emphasized that dialogue is more critical than ever in today’s world. He also reiterated the EU’s commitment to enlargement but underscored that it is not an automatic process, urging Balkan leaders to remain steadfast on the path to reform.
Highlights from Davos
Lajčak engaged with global leaders, colleagues, and regional representatives to discuss pressing issues such as geopolitical stability and economic development.
“This week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, I had the opportunity to engage with leaders, colleagues, and friends on some of the most urgent issues of our time, including geopolitical stability and economic development. After a week of stimulating discussions, it’s clear that dialogue is more crucial than ever in today’s world,” Lajčak stated.
Focus on the Balkans
As part of his discussions in Davos, Lajčak attended the traditional Diplomatic Dialogue for the Balkans. In his remarks, he emphasized the EU’s seriousness about enlargement while highlighting the necessity for the region to stay committed to its reforms and aspirations for integration.
“The EU is serious about enlargement, but this will not happen by default. I urged the region to stay the course,” Lajčak noted.
Final Week as Envoy
As he transitions out of his role, Lajčak’s final days will be dedicated to delivering final briefings and completing handover procedures. Reflecting on his nearly five years as the EU’s Special Envoy, he acknowledged the complexity of his mandate and the significance of fostering dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
This marks the end of a pivotal chapter in the EU’s efforts to mediate relations between the two Balkan neighbors, leaving the future of the dialogue in the hands of his successor.