Kaja Kalas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that achieving full normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is “the only way” for these nations to integrate into the bloc.

In a post on Twitter, Kalas, who mediates the dialogue, expressed her support for Peter Sorensen’s appointment as the EU’s special envoy to facilitate discussions between Kosovo and Serbia.

The EU has indicated that the progress of both countries towards EU membership relies heavily on normalizing their relations.

Sorensen commenced his role on February 1, after receiving the necessary confirmations from EU foreign ministers and ambassadors, succeeding Miroslav Lajčák.

“I appreciate Miroslav Lajčak for his contributions. The groundwork laid will be vital for our renewed engagement,” Kalas communicated via the X network.

The Danish diplomat Sorensen will solely focus on the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, in contrast to his predecessor, who addressed broader Balkan issues as well.

The dialogue process, which began in 2011, seeks to fully normalize relations. Kosovo aims for a final agreement involving mutual recognition, whereas Serbia seeks a compromise ensuring neither side emerges as the outright victor or loser.

During Lajčák’s tenure of five years, an agreement was reached outlining a path to normalizing relations.

This 11-member agreement outlines, among other details, the level of self-governance for the Serbian community in Kosovo, mutual recognition of national symbols, stipulations preventing Serbia from obstructing Kosovo’s entry into international organizations, and mandates that Pristina and Belgrade implement all prior agreements made earlier in the dialogue.

Although the agreement has yet to be signed and has not come into effect, the EU has stated it remains binding for both Kosovo and Serbia.

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