Peter Sørensen has officially been confirmed by the EU Foreign Ministers as the new Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. His mandate will begin on February 1, following the conclusion of Miroslav Lajčak’s term on January 31.
Appointment Details
The Danish diplomat was selected by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and approved by EU ambassadors on January 24. His appointment signals the EU’s commitment to keeping the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue high on its agenda, as noted by Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon during a meeting in Brussels.
Sørensen’s extensive diplomatic experience in the Western Balkans was a key factor in his selection. He has held various roles, including:
- EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Head of the EU Office in Sarajevo.
- EU Delegation Chief in Skopje.
- Advisor in the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
- Representative of the EU High Representative in Serbia.
- OSCE mission roles in Croatia.
Sørensen also currently serves as a Senior Advisor in the European External Action Service (EEAS) for digital diplomacy.
Transition of Leadership
Sørensen succeeds Miroslav Lajčak, who led the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue for nearly five years. During Lajčak’s tenure, the two parties reached a legally binding Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations, though the EU criticized both Kosovo and Serbia for delays in implementing the agreement, which is seen as crucial for their European integration prospects.
Dialogue Background
The EU-mediated dialogue, launched in 2011, aims to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Over the years, several agreements have been reached, but implementation on the ground remains a significant challenge.
With Sørensen’s appointment, the EU hopes to revitalize the dialogue and encourage both parties to take concrete steps toward fulfilling their commitments, ensuring progress on their paths toward EU membership.
