Serbia recently reaffirmed its position of not recognizing the state of Kosovo, a stance reiterated by Serbian leaders in recent statements. This confirmation comes at a critical juncture when international pressure is mounting for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
Alon Ben-Meir, an American expert on international relations, sheds light on the recent developments regarding the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue. According to Ben-Meir, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić initially showed a willingness to sign the Franco-German plan, which had the potential to lead to mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosovo. However, Vučić later rejected the deal, firmly stating that Serbia would not recognize Kosovo now or in the future.
Ben-Meir emphasizes that the European Union (EU) is fully aware of Vučić’s position on the matter. Despite this, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, is expected to persist in pushing for a negotiated agreement that could result in mutual recognition. Ben-Meir remains skeptical about the prospects of reaching such an agreement as long as Vladimir Putin remains in power, noting that mutual recognition could be a prelude to the initiation of the EU membership process, which both Serbia and Kosovo aspire to.
The ongoing tension and the rejection of the deal highlight the complex and challenging nature of the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, with international stakeholders continuing to seek a resolution to one of Europe’s most enduring conflicts.
