Hoti: Now is the time to change the dialogue framework; implementation of agreements is key

Professor of International Relations at the University of Pristina, Afrim Hoti, believes that now is the time to change the framework of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as results are lacking. He says it is necessary for the new institutions in Brussels to move toward the actual implementation of what has been agreed upon between the two sides, as well as toward new agreements that could bring the normalization process to an end.

"With the new institutions in Brussels, it seems that both the dynamics and the format of the dialogue will change. I think that is realistic because we already have several agreements between Serbia and Kosovo, but what we lack is real implementation," Hoti said for Kosovo Online.

In his opinion, the format of the dialogue is not as important as the focus of EU institutions on implementing the agreements.

"It doesn’t matter whether there is someone specifically assigned to oversee the implementation of the agreements or whether Kaja Kallas herself takes on that role. What is crucial is that we move toward implementing the agreements, and then toward full normalization. In light of the war in Ukraine, it seems that the European Union is taking the enlargement process in the Western Balkans more seriously. And the enlargement of the Western Balkans cannot be imagined without full normalization and mutual recognition between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia," Hoti stated.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced yesterday that she would visit Belgrade and Pristina in May and emphasized that normalization of relations is of utmost importance.