Hasani: Article 7 is problematic; if there is no agreement on the CSM, sanctions from the EU will follow

Adelina Hasani, a foreign policy researcher, believes that the agreement reached in Brussels on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is a positive step toward the final agreement, and that recognition by Serbia would also bring recognition from the five EU countries, but that Article 7 is problematic for Pristina, and that if there is no agreement on the CSM, Brussels will impose sanctions, Koha reports.

"If we are talking about an agreement that includes the formal recognition of Kosovo, it is up to Vucic to prepare society for the final recognition of Kosovo. The President of Serbia is not ready to sign such an agreement, and that in itself represents a kind of blackmail," she said.

Hasani stressed the ambiguity of the European document, referring to Article 7, which has sparked debate since its publication.

Without an agreement, she claims, economic sanctions from the EU will follow.

"Article 7 indirectly mentions the CSM and its formation, however, that is not the main point of the agreement. It leaves room for discussion, and I believe that Article 7 will be problematic. Article 7 allows us to renegotiate the CSM. If no agreement is reached, sanctions will be imposed because the Western Balkans require stability due to the war in Ukraine. No one needs the status quo," Hasani pointed out.

According to Hasani, the official recognition by Serbia would also bring recognition from the five EU countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo.

"If Serbia issues formal recognition, it will also bring recognition from the five EU countries. But with such skepticism and with the narrative we hear from Vucic even before the agreement is signed, it is impossible to expect recognition from the five countries. Perhaps Greece would agree first. The problem would continue with Spain," Hasani said.