The European Democrats have sharply criticized recent statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić regarding Kosovo, warning that nationalist rhetoric continues to undermine reconciliation and stability in the Western Balkans.
In a statement published on X, the European political group said Vučić had “once again declared that Kosovo is part of Serbia,” describing his remarks as a return to narratives that obstruct efforts to normalize relations in the region.
“Yesterday, President Aleksandar Vučić once again stated that Kosovo is part of Serbia, reviving rhetoric that undermines reconciliation and regional stability,” the statement said.
The European Democrats also linked Vučić’s comments to the recent remarks made by Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunović, who said she would have carried out the “ethnic cleansing” of Kosovo in 1998 if she had been in Slobodan Milošević’s position.
According to the European Democrats, such statements have been widely condemned across Europe but have failed to produce any political consequences in Serbia.
“Leadership is defined not only by the positions it takes, but also by the rhetoric it tolerates and legitimizes,” the group emphasized.
Calling for greater political responsibility, the European Democrats stressed that the Western Balkans’ European future cannot be built on nationalist narratives, but rather on mutual trust, accountability, democratic values, and respect for international law.
“The Western Balkans needs responsible leadership committed to dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for international law,” the statement concluded.
The reaction comes as the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia continues to face political tensions, with Serbian officials’ statements on Kosovo’s status remaining one of the key sources of friction between the two sides.
