As Miroslav Lajčak nears the end of his term as the EU’s Special Envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, he took the opportunity to reflect on the year’s progress and challenges. Despite disappointment over the slow pace, Lajčak emphasized achievements like the Ohrid Agreement and the formation of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons.
Key Reflections and Achievements
Lajčak highlighted that while progress has been slower than expected, significant steps have been made to benefit citizens in both Kosovo and Serbia.
One of the key milestones in 2023 was the establishment of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons, which aims to bring closure to families of the missing. This initiative, agreed upon during the December 17 meeting with lead negotiators Besnik Bislimi and Petar Petković, will oversee the implementation of the Declaration on Missing Persons adopted under the Ohrid Agreement on May 2, 2023.
The commission’s role includes supervising collaboration between the parties on locating burial sites and facilitating excavation efforts.
EU Integration Tied to Dialogue Progress
Lajčak reiterated that normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia is a prerequisite for EU integration. He stressed that the Council of the European Union’s conclusions on enlargement deliver a clear message to both parties:
“There will be no EU integration without normalization of their relations. The conclusions provide a detailed work plan for 2024, endorsed by all EU member states.”
Lajčak outlined the following priorities for advancing the dialogue:
- De-escalation of tensions.
- Accountability for 2023 attacks.
- Reintegration of Kosovo Serbs.
- Establishment of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.
- Recognition of Kosovo’s documents and symbols.
In his 31st and final meeting of the year, Lajčak emphasized to negotiators Bislimi and Petković that normalization and EU integration are intertwined, with no separation between the two.
