Danish diplomat Peter Sorensen has been appointed by the European Union ambassador as the bloc’s special representative for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

Sorensen was chosen by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas, to succeed Miroslav Lajčák in this role.

Final approval from EU foreign ministers is expected on Monday, allowing Sorensen to commence his term in early February.

The current envoy, Lajčák, will serve until January 31st.

Recent reports from Radio Free Europe indicate that Sorensen’s name has been submitted to EU member states for their endorsement.

Who is Sorensen?

Hailing from Denmark, Sorensen boasts extensive diplomatic experience within EU frameworks. He is currently a Senior Advisor at the European External Action Service (EEAS) focused on Digital Diplomacy.

Throughout his diplomatic career in the EU, Sorensen has held various roles in the Western Balkans. He was the EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and led the EU Office in Sarajevo. Additionally, he served as the Head of the EU Delegation in Skopje.

Prior to these roles, Sorensen was an advisor to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and served as the Special Representative of the EU High Representative in Serbia.

He also worked with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) during its mission in Croatia.

His significant experience in the region is believed to have influenced Kaja Kalas’s decision to appoint him as Lajčák’s successor.

Former Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, well-acquainted with developments in the Western Balkans, also expressed interest in the mediator position for dialogue.

The name of Borut Pahor, the former President and Prime Minister of Slovenia, surfaced in discussions for this role. While he previously showed interest last year, he stated in January of this year that he would not pursue the position, recognizing that it required more diplomatic than political expertise.

During Lajčák’s nearly five-year term, Kosovo and Serbia made progress by reaching an Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations.

This agreement, although not signed, is deemed legally binding by the EU. The EU has accused both parties of failing to initiate its implementation, suggesting this inaction could hinder their paths to European integration.

The EU-mediated dialogue for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia commenced in 2011, with several agreements made throughout the process, though few have been put into practice.

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