The European Union has criticized Serbia for violating its commitments under the Kosovo–Serbia normalization process, after Belgrade opposed Kosovo’s membership in Interpol.
A EU spokesperson responded to reports from Serbia that Interior Minister Ivica Dačić praised the continued opposition to Kosovo’s Interpol membership, stating that “Kosovo has no chance of becoming a member.” Dačić added that Kosovo had previously “failed badly” in attempts to join Interpol and that it now “clearly has no chance, so it isn’t even trying.”
The 2023 normalization agreement between Kosovo and Serbia obliges Serbia not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in any international organization. The EU emphasized that the agreement is valid and must be implemented without delay, noting that its full implementation remains a precondition for both Kosovo and Serbia’s EU integration and access to financial benefits under the Western Balkans growth plan.
The EU spokesperson said:
“Serbia’s progress on the European path depends on its full implementation of obligations from the 2023 normalization agreement. By opposing Kosovo’s membership in Interpol, Serbia is violating Article 4 of the Ohrid agreement.”
However, the EU has not yet specified what consequences Serbia might face for this breach. Some member states have expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of measures against Serbia, while the European Commission continues to apply measures against Kosovo, a situation considered by some as “unbalanced.”
Regarding the Western Balkans growth plan, the spokesperson noted:
“Preconditions related to progress in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo are assessed whenever payment requests are made, in accordance with regulations.”
Serbia has already received its first payment from the growth package in the form of pre-financing, whereas Kosovo has not yet benefited, due to not having ratified its loan agreement with the EU.
