The year 2024 is considered a pivotal one in terms of elections that brought changes in the administrations of the United States and the European Union.
In Kosovo, there are expectations that these changes will bring positive developments in the processes of integration and the normalization of relations with Serbia.
However, international experts do not expect Kosovo and Serbia to be high on the agenda of the new administrations, particularly not in that of the newly elected U.S. President, Donald Trump.
“I don’t think the Balkans will be a major priority, but President Trump is familiar with the region, familiar with Kosovo and Serbia, because he reached the Washington Agreement with former Prime Minister Hoti and President Vučić. He is aware of this and mentioned it before the elections. They are aware of it and will push for some infrastructure projects, such as the strategic ‘Corridor 8’ project,” says Edward Joseph.
Furthermore, no concrete results are expected in 2025 regarding the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. However, the American professor stresses that the approach must change because Serbia should be held accountable for destabilizing actions.
“Serbia must be held responsible, so we can’t continue where only Kosovo is held accountable and subjected to punitive measures while Serbia faces no consequences. This must stop,” Joseph adds.
In addition, experts see the necessity for Kosovo to take action toward normalization, such as starting procedures for the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.
“I hope there will be progress in implementing the agreements so that the ball is in Serbia’s court, and they will then face pressure to implement their part of the agreements. We cannot stay stuck in a status quo, which is not in the best interest of the people of Kosovo,” says Adrian Shtuni, an expert on international relations.
“You cannot pass on the European Union’s obligation that has been made clear to you for a long time, outlining what needs to be done to remove those sanctions. I hope there will be awareness and sincerity in communication with the public from any government that comes tomorrow,” Shtuni adds.
Throughout 2024, Kosovo and Serbia engaged in technical dialogue, with the European Union insisting on the implementation of the basic agreement for normalizing relations and the annex of the Ohrid Agreement.
At this point, Kosovo has been sanctioned by the European Union for over a year.
