Biljana Pantić Pilja, head of the Serbian delegation to the Council of Europe, has once again raised concerns about Kosovo’s continued efforts to join the Council of Europe, predicting that Kosovo will once again attempt to “knock on the door” of the institution during the upcoming session in March. Pantić Pilja, in her comments to Večernje Novosti, positioned Kosovo’s aspirations within a narrative of obstruction, claiming that despite Kosovo’s focus on the upcoming February 9 elections, it would soon resume pressuring the Council of Europe with its partners after the electoral process concludes.
Her rhetoric on Kosovo’s status remains steadfast in denying Kosovo’s sovereignty, insisting that it remains an “entity” rather than a recognized state, and that its status is determined by UN Resolution 1244. She also reiterated claims of ethnic cleansing against Serbs in Kosovo, pointing fingers at Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government for furthering repression, especially with the elections on the horizon.
Pantić Pilja’s discourse appears to reinforce Serbia’s long-standing narrative regarding Kosovo’s statehood, suggesting that Kosovo’s pursuit of European integration remains invalid. She remains critical of the European Union’s handling of the issue, particularly its failure to pressure Kosovo into fulfilling obligations such as the creation of the Association of Serb Municipalities and the rule of law, conditions that she claims have not been met.
In her view, the Serbian List—of which she is a part—is the only legitimate defender of Serb interests in Kosovo, accusing Kosovo of continuing to undermine those interests. Pantić Pilja also expressed confidence that Kosovo’s European aspirations could be blocked with the support of key EU members, including Spain, Cyprus, and Hungary—countries that, like Serbia, have not recognized Kosovo’s independence.
Furthermore, Pantić Pilja voiced her frustration with the European Union’s approach, criticizing its lack of decisive action to compel Kurti’s government to respect international law and human rights. She pointed out that while the Council of Europe focuses on other international crises, such as the situation in Ukraine and Georgia’s electoral process, Kosovo remains sidelined, as Pantić Pilja sees it, due to the EU’s inaction.
While presenting herself as a defender of Serb rights, Pantić Pilja’s continued rejection of Kosovo’s European aspirations casts a shadow over efforts for dialogue and regional stability. Her approach highlights a reluctance to engage in cooperative dialogue, perpetuating a divisive stance that impedes any meaningful path forward for Kosovo, Serbia, and the wider region.
