Kos: Normalization of relations with Serbia is a prerequisite for Kosovo’s EU membership process

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated that normalization of relations with Serbia is a prerequisite for Kosovo to obtain candidate status and begin the EU membership process.

"We are waiting for the new government. I am in contact with local politicians, and they claim to support the normalization of relations with Serbia, which is a prerequisite for starting the negotiation process or obtaining candidate status," Kos said in an interview with Radio Free Europe.

Kos noted that it is important for the new government in Kosovo to meet certain prerequisites "that must be fulfilled," without specifying what they are.

Kosovo submitted its application for EU membership on December 15, 2022. It is still in the early stages of accession, without candidate status. To move forward, the European Commission must first give its consent to the membership application, and then the European Council must unanimously confirm candidate status.

"I have not received any signals from the member states or from the Danish Presidency that this could happen. But I think it would be very good to start," Kos said.

She also emphasized that not all EU member states are currently ready to lift the measures imposed on Kosovo by the Union.

"We don't know yet. Discussions are ongoing. If the member states agree to lift the measures, of course we will do so. But at the moment, not all member states are in favor of lifting them," said Kos.

She added that she would consider it a failure if there were no new member states admitted to the European Union during the mandate of the current Commission.

Kos expressed optimism, stressing that from a technical standpoint "it would be possible to conclude the process with Montenegro (as a member) by the end of 2026" and "with Albania (as a member) by the end of 2027."

When asked whether Montenegro and Albania would become the 28th and 29th EU member states, she replied that there could also be other new countries joining.

Speaking about Serbia, Kos stated that "Serbia really needs to deliver results."

"Words are not enough. I see my mission or visit there as a major effort to bring Serbia back onto the European path," Kos underlined.

She added that the demands of the demonstrators, who have been protesting for months in Serbia following the death of 16 people from the collapse of a concrete shelter at the Novi Sad railway station, are the same as the demands of the European Commission.

"It’s about the rule of law, the fight against corruption, public procurement, media legislation, electoral legislation. Serbia made many promises in December in the so-called 'non-paper'," Kos said, adding that now "we need to verify whether they are implementing what they promised."

"And actually, I like to say that I am the biggest supporter of the demonstrators, because if Serbia is serious about the EU path — and they tell me they are — then they will have to deliver results," Kos said.

She noted that it is difficult to work with leaders like Milorad Dodik, President of the Republic of Srpska.

According to her, "it is difficult to deal with someone who does not act in the best interest of his country, Bosnia and Herzegovina," and who "acts against territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the constitutional order."

Kos added that this is one of the reasons why Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite having candidate status, has not yet opened accession negotiations with the EU.

Regarding potential sanctions against Dodik, she noted that "the member states are not united" on introducing them.