The departing EU representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Miroslav Lajčák, stated that the EU plans to reignite high-level talks following the elections in Kosovo. He noted that the dialogue has improved since his mandate began in spring 2020, although progress in normalizing relations remains lacking.

In a farewell interview with Radio Television of Serbia yesterday, Lajčák confirmed that the EU is preparing to “initiate discussions at the highest level post-elections in Kosovo.”

“The new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas, has made it clear that she will actively engage and wishes to steer the process. An EU proposition is being formulated for both parties,” said Lajčák.

He mentioned that his successor, Peter Sorensen, who is well-versed in Balkan affairs, will assist Kaja Kalas in her initiatives.

Sorensen will begin his role on February 1st, with a term of 13 months.

Lajčák highlighted that EU enlargement has regained importance on the EU agenda, now considered a priority.

“This commission is focused on enlargement. Active preparations are underway, with new strategies like phased integration and a growth plan for the Western Balkans,” Lajčák noted, emphasizing that it took two years to assure partners in the Western Balkans of the EU’s genuine commitment to expansion this time.

He stressed the necessity of a visible EU membership perspective, which, although temporarily lost, has been restored.

The geopolitical context, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, has influenced the EU’s willingness to extend openings to Ukraine, consequently benefiting Balkan nations.

Lajčák pointed out that while geopolitics has facilitated the current circumstances, it does not guarantee entry for individual nations into the EU. He emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to finalize entry into the EU while opportunities remain, cautioning that “the door will not remain open indefinitely.”

He considers Serbia a significant country with considerable potential, noting its proximity to opening Cluster 3 in December, a process that continues, contingent upon meeting the conditions outlined in the negotiation framework.

He assessed that the dialogue has progressed compared to the start of his mandate in spring 2020, but normalization of relations has not evolved. “The primary outcome of the dialogue is the so-called Ohrid Agreement on the path to normalization that we reached in February and March 2023, serving as a roadmap beneficial to all parties involved. Despite the dialogue’s improvement, normalization remains stagnant,” Lajčák explained.

He attributed the non-implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements to “significant distrust between the parties,” incidents of violence in Zvečan, a “terrorist act” in Banjska during 2023, and a series of unilateral actions by Pristina impacting the Serbian populace in Kosovo and Metohija.

Lajčák indicated that the EU’s focus instead diverted to managing various crises and de-escalation efforts rather than concentrating on normalization.

He remarked on the insufficient progress in executing the agreements, primarily due to the lack of trust between the dialogue parties and their hesitance to rely on the fulfillment of promises made.

Lajčák acknowledged that in 2024, the dialogue lost traction and is not a priority for leaders during this election period in both Europe and America.

While he refrained from speculating about the new US President Donald Trump’s approach to the dialogue, he noted that both major political parties recognize that the EU perspective is the only favorable prospect for the Balkans and have historically acknowledged their supportive role. He anticipates this support to continue in the upcoming months.

“Establishing swift communication at EU and US levels is crucial, aiming for a unified strategy towards the Western Balkans, with the EU in a leading role for objective reasons while relying on America’s support and understanding,” Lajčák asserted.

He believes that the existing political crisis in Serbia should be navigated through dialogues among domestic entities, emphasizing goodwill and adherence to the democratic principles of the rule of law. He expressed confidence that Serbia has the capability to independently address its challenges and progress forward.

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