The European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, has stated clearly that Serbia will not be able to join the European Union without recognizing Kosovo’s statehood and abandoning the idea of a “Serb World.”
In an interview with Jutarnji List, the Croatian MEP emphasized that there will be no EU integration without the full normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
He underlined that the integration of both countries into the European family is closely tied to dialogue, which must conclude with a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations between the two states.
Although the dialogue was renewed in 2023, Picula noted that “instead of seizing momentum, it led to a series of crises — the most serious being the attack by Serbian paramilitary forces in northern Kosovo.”
Referring to the terrorist assault in Banjska, led by Milan Radoičić, Picula said it represented a serious breach of peace in Kosovo.
“We have insisted that Belgrade’s handling of the Banjska attackers be one of the main criteria in assessing Serbia’s situation and its readiness to advance on the European path,” Picula said.
He added that the EU Office in Kosovo has recently reminded Serbian authorities that it expects the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the Banjska attack, who are currently in Serbia.
“Unfortunately, Belgrade continues to ignore these demands. I believe this constitutes an obstruction of the judicial process, which very likely happens under orders from the state leadership,” Picula concluded.
