Miroslav Lajčak, the outgoing European Union Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, has warned of a new approach and plan for both parties, which will be presented by the new European High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, and his successor, Peter Sorensen.
Lajčak stated that after the upcoming elections in Kosovo, movement on this front will take place.
“We have a very good analysis of the situation, and we are well aware, especially since last autumn when Kosovo entered its electoral campaign, that we need to address concrete issues. We had three meetings of the chief negotiators in the autumn and winter.
The public doesn’t see much of this, and they know that the meetings of leaders are more attractive. We are preparing for the EU to begin high-level talks after the elections in Kosovo. The new High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, has made it clear that she will be directly involved and wants to lead the process. The EU’s stance is being prepared, and a proposal for both parties will be made. Of course, at this moment, I cannot speak in more detail. My successor, Peter Sorensen, an experienced diplomat who knows the Balkans well, will be there to assist Kaja Kallas in that work,” said Lajčak.
Asked about the impact of the new administration under President Donald Trump on the dialogue, Lajčak emphasized the importance of establishing contact between the EU and the US as soon as possible, and reaching an agreement on joint action in the Western Balkans.
He noted that “Trump 2” appears to be much more organized than “Trump 1.”
“I wouldn’t want to speculate. It can be seen that ‘Trump 2’ is different from ‘Trump 1,’ the work is much better organized, and people know what they want to achieve. Therefore, experiences from the previous administration cannot be mechanically transferred.”
“Secondly, there is only one positive perspective for the Balkans, and that is the European perspective. Both Democrats and Republicans in the US know this and have never opposed the idea that their role is to help with this. I expect this to remain the case in the coming months. It is important to establish contacts between the EU and the US as soon as possible and reach an agreement on joint action regarding the Western Balkans, where the EU should lead, for objective reasons, but which can rely on America’s support and understanding,” Lajčak added.
