The European Union is set to unveil its new Special Envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, with an official decision expected during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday. The position, currently held by Miroslav Lajčák, will transition to a new appointee as Lajčák’s mandate ends this month.
Diplomatic Speculations
While the EU has not confirmed the name, reports suggest Danish diplomat Peter Sørensen is the likely candidate. Sørensen, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in the Western Balkans, has previously held roles such as:
- EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Head of the EU delegation in North Macedonia.
- Senior advisor to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
- Representative for the EU’s High Representative in Serbia.
Currently, Sørensen serves as a senior advisor in the European External Action Service (EEAS) on digital diplomacy.
Confirmation Process
The EU Foreign Affairs Council, composed of foreign ministers from all EU member states, will deliberate and likely approve the appointment. In response to media inquiries, the Council confirmed, “This decision is expected to be finalized on Monday. A detailed statement will follow.”
A Strategic Choice
The decision to nominate Sørensen, reportedly favored by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, is attributed to his comprehensive knowledge of the region. His prior roles in key EU missions and his work in the Western Balkans position him as an experienced mediator for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
Other candidates considered for the role included Finland’s former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto, though no official nomination was made. Sørensen’s extensive regional expertise is believed to have been a decisive factor in his selection.
Background
The Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remains a critical diplomatic effort for stability in the Western Balkans. The new envoy will play a pivotal role in facilitating talks aimed at normalizing relations between the two nations.
