As the European Union prepares to adopt conclusions from its ministers in mid-December, there are growing concerns among Kosovo analysts about the perceived inequality in the EU’s demands for Kosovo and Serbia. According to the expected draft conclusions, Serbia is expected to recognize Kosovo’s state symbols, while Kosovo will be asked to form the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.
Political analysts in Kosovo argue that these demands from the EU are unbalanced.
Blerim Canaj, a political analyst, expressed concern about the unequal expectations. “Is it acceptable to offer the Association in exchange for recognition of symbols? Absolutely not. At the end of the day, if Serbia does not recognize us, then what is the importance of the rest? And why should Kosovo offer so much?” Canaj said in an interview with RTK.
Shkodran Rexhaj, another political expert, also criticized the lack of tangible concessions from Serbia. “We haven’t seen concrete concessions from Serbia, so we don’t receive the same treatment from the EU. The pressure we face from the EU is not mirrored in its approach to Serbia. In fact, there have been attacks attributed entirely to Serbia against the state of Kosovo,” Rexhaj said.
Experts argue that the formation of the Association should only be considered in exchange for mutual recognition from Serbia. They also emphasize that progress in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is unlikely without a balanced approach from the EU toward both countries.
