According to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, during a dialogue with the new European Union (EU) envoy, it is essential for Belgrade to sign an agreement for normalizing relations with Kosovo and to hand over Milan Radoičić, who is accused of the 2023 attack in Banjska, for further dialogue to proceed.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti had separate meetings with the new EU envoy for dialogue, Peter Sorensen, on February 14 to outline their expectations regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

Their initial discussions with Sorensen occurred during the Munich Security Conference, which started on February 14.

Osmani expressed on the “X” network, “We will continue collaborating with our allies to complete this process, ensuring mutual recognition and safeguarding the sovereignty, constitutionality, and territorial integrity of our Republic.”

Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the significance of fully implementing the 2023 normalization agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, noting that neither party had officially signed it or taken necessary steps toward its execution.

The Prime Minister’s Office reported Kurti stating that Serbia is not respecting the agreement, mentioning that Serbia’s former Prime Minister Ana Brnabić’s letter effectively indicates Serbia’s withdrawal from the agreement.

To proceed, Kurti insisted on signing the agreement, retracting Brnabić’s letter, and surrendering Milan Radoičić, who is already facing a 160-page indictment from the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo.

Radoičić, believed to be in hiding in Serbia since the September 2023 attack in Banjska, claimed responsibility for the armed assault that resulted in the death of a Kosovo police officer.

Peter Sorensen from Denmark officially commenced his role on February 1, succeeding Miroslav Lajčak.

Osmani, Kurti, and other officials from Kosovo criticized Lajčak for his perceived bias in the dialogue, claiming that he occasionally favored Serbia.

On February 13, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas acknowledged the criticisms regarding the dialogue format and stated that she, along with Sorensen, would explore options to make the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia more effective.

Sorensen remarked on February 13 that he had engaged in discussions about advancing the dialogue process in Paris and Berlin in the preceding days.

Expressing gratitude for support received, Sorensen shared photos with officials from both nations on the X network.

It remains uncertain when Sorensen will conduct the first dialogue meeting, especially following the elections in Kosovo on February 9 and the political uncertainty in Serbia after the prime minister’s resignation.

Kalas mentioned she is waiting for Kosovo to form a new government before determining the next steps.

Unlike his predecessor, Sorensen’s focus will solely be the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, avoiding broader Balkan issues.

His appointment has been viewed positively, given his experience in the region through various diplomatic roles, including service in Kosovo under the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as well as previous positions in Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Another favorable point mentioned by Pristina officials is Sorensen’s Danish nationality, as Denmark recognizes Kosovo’s statehood, potentially allowing for a more balanced dialogue approach.

Since 2011, Kosovo and Serbia have engaged in dialogues facilitated by the European Union.

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