Antonijevic: Kosovo’s membership process in the Council of Europe is frozen

Lawyer Milan Antonijevic says that the issue of Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe is currently frozen because there has been no progress in fulfilling obligations in Pristina, something that Council of Europe member states have also noticed.

Antonijevic emphasizes that, from a legal perspective, nothing has changed regarding Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe. Nevertheless, he says he expects a strong campaign from Pristina.

“If we look at it from the perspective of law and process, nothing has changed compared to the previous period. I don't see any process being unblocked, nor do I see Pristina firmly at the negotiating table. All the economic issues and obstacles to trade between Serbia and Kosovo are still in effect. We are witnessing some new technicalities aimed at hindering or slowing down the process of economic cooperation. I don’t see any physical changes, and I believe that Council of Europe member states will reason similarly. There will likely be a strong campaign to enter this process. We’ll see what our diplomacy will look like,” he said.

He also points out that Germany is showing goodwill in contributing to the processes it supports, including Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe.

“Germany is trying to find a response to Pristina’s lack of constructiveness in the dialogue. On one hand, they are talking about certain consequences, which may resemble sanctions, such as exclusion from CEFTA. On the other hand, they are showing goodwill to unblock those processes that Germany has always supported, including Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe,” Antonijevic added.

According to him, this process is currently frozen.

“I don't see what could happen at this moment to thaw the process and speed it up,” Antonijevic stressed.

He also notes that Serbia’s diplomatic activity has borne fruit.

“Serbia has made certain advances in diplomatic efforts, not only with Council of Europe member states but also with UN members. We recently had a visit from the new US Envoy for our region, Kasanof, and I believe some issues can be unblocked before the US elections, allowing for new concessions from Pristina. They have their obligations, and all diplomatic activities could yield certain results in the coming period,” Antonijevic concluded.