Andric Rakic: No progress in dialogue or formation of the CSM realistic during Lajcak's extended mandate

Milica Andric Rakic, Program Manager at the NGO Social Initiative, does not expect progress in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia nor concrete steps regarding the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities during the extended mandate of EU representative for dialogue Miroslav Lajcak, because, as she stated, this extension is a collegial act of goodwill by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell.

"The extension of Lajcak's mandate is primarily a collegial act of goodwill by Borrell toward the person who will replace him in that role, namely the future High Representative of the European Union. Simply, to give that person time to get acquainted with the dialogue first, and then to choose the person who will be the mediator, that is, to take over Miroslav Lajcak's role, and with whom they will work in the coming period. So, I think that is the only reason for the extension of his mandate. He will most likely spend the majority of that mandate participating in finding a successor and also helping that person to get more familiar with the dialogue," Andric Rakic said.

She emphasizes that this decision does not have significant political importance and is a practical matter and an act of collegiality toward the new High Representative.

Andric Rakic adds that it is unrealistic to expect any progress in the dialogue or regarding the CSM until the end of Lajcak's mandate, especially since Kosovo's elections are scheduled for 2025.

"Everything we can expect, we can expect from the beginning of next year, after the American president is elected and the American administration is established. Until then, we can only expect crisis management, and I really don't see any room for political solutions. In the event that, in the mandate of the new Kosovo government, we have a Self-Determination government that will again be independent, without major coalition partners, I do not see that the CSM can be formed then either," she said.

Our interlocutor adds that if, however, there is a coalition with the opposition, especially with the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), there might be room for internal coalition pressure on Kurti to proceed with the formation of the CSM.

"Even then, it is really questionable. His entire political capital is based on opposing the CSM, and I do not see that changing under any pressure," Andric Rakic concluded.