Hoti: If there is no normalization, EU aid for Serbia and Kosovo will be suspended

It is crucial for all Western Balkan countries to meet the criteria for European integration, and it seems that the most problematic case is between Serbia and Kosovo. Their commitment to peace and stability, as well as to the rule of law and public administration reforms, will be the main criteria that must be fulfilled in order to benefit from the package of six billion euros in aid and support for the region announced by the EU, according to Afrim Hoti, a professor of international law from Pristina.

As he states for Kosovo Online, it is evident that in light of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the European Union is paying more attention to the Western Balkans, and this package of aid and support is in that direction.

He believes that for Serbia and Kosovo, the key to obtaining these funds will be the speed of reaching agreements and progress in normalization.

"This is of crucial importance. Because whenever the situation in the Western Balkans is discussed, the relations between Serbia and Kosovo must be mentioned. No one can imagine stability in this part of Europe without the full normalization of relations between the two countries. So, any kind of EU aid or support will not be visible and realistic without the full normalization of relations. In this regard, I think there will be pressure on both sides, Kosovo and Serbia, in the coming weeks and months to achieve normalization as soon as possible, which will then be followed by the support mentioned by European Commission President von der Leyen and other EU officials," Hoti says.

He adds that in case either side fails to fulfill its obligations, the money and aid will be suspended.

"This is happening now with Kosovo, which is facing the sanctions from the European Union. But it seems the same could be applied to Serbia, not only due to the lack of normalization but also due to the lack of responsibility and loyalty regarding the foreign policy Serbia is currently implementing. Also, because of the recent events from the end of September in Banjska," Hoti concludes.