Toby Vogel from the Council for Democracy Policy in Berlin stated that the next Government of Kosovo will need to work more diligently to improve its relations with the EU.
He suggested that Kosovo adopt a more diplomatic approach with its closest allies, particularly Germany, which plays a decisive role in the EU’s stance towards Kosovo.
“Germany has been very close to Vučić and the Serbian leadership, and it has developed increasingly stronger economic ties with Serbia. So, there is nothing Kosovo can do to balance this. It should not have illusions but should be aware that it is weaker both politically and economically, as well as diplomatically. However, all of this makes it even more important to maintain warmer and more correct diplomatic relations with key allies,” he said.
Vogel advised the next Government of Kosovo to avoid any uncoordinated steps, especially when it comes to the northern part of the country.
The display of restraint and prioritization of diplomatic solutions will strengthen Kosovo’s position in negotiations with Brussels and Belgrade, Vogel stated.
“There is much uncertainty, and navigating these troubled waters will require significant skill, but I believe there are opportunities, and they should be seized, one of which is the change of European leaders. Now we have a new foreign policy representative who oversees the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, and she is not sympathetic to Russia or its influence in the Balkans,” Vogel said to REL.
