The EU-brokered dialogue for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia resumed on Monday in Brussels, with Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi meeting EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen. Serbian chief negotiator Petar Petković is expected to arrive on Tuesday for further discussions.
This marks the first official round of talks since Sorensen took over the role from Miroslav Lajčák, signaling a renewed push by the EU to facilitate progress on longstanding issues between the two sides.
EU Stays Cautious, Avoids Predicting Outcomes
EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni refrained from forecasting the results of this week’s negotiations.
“I would hold back from making any predictions on the outcome. What I can confirm is that the meetings are being held at the chief negotiators’ level, with Mr. Bislimi representing the Kosovo side today. The Serbian delegation is expected to arrive tomorrow,” El Anouni stated in remarks to local outlet Dukagjini.
No Concrete Agenda Publicized Yet
While the European Union has confirmed the meetings, it has not provided further details regarding the specific agenda or expected deliverables. The dialogue continues under the framework of the Brussels Agreement and the Ohrid Implementation Annex, both of which remain in effect.
Kallas: Dialogue Will Continue Under EU Leadership
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, previously underscored the EU’s commitment to advancing the dialogue during her visits to both Prishtina and Belgrade. She reiterated that both Kosovo and Serbia are expected to implement all agreed-upon provisions without delay.
Background: A New Chapter with Sorensen at the Helm
Peter Sorensen’s appointment as EU Special Envoy comes at a critical moment in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, which has seen numerous deadlocks and escalations over the past year. His leadership is viewed as an opportunity to revitalize the normalization process, especially with growing EU pressure for stability in the Western Balkans.
