Kupchan: CSM a necessary step for advancing dialogue and building trust

Charles Kupchan, professor at Georgetown University, believes that the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities does not pose a threat to Kosovo, but rather is a necessary step toward advancing the dialogue process with Serbia and building trust, Teve 1 reported. As he stated, despite the uncertainties that would accompany this process, the decision not to act in that direction "is even more dangerous."

Kupchan reminded that there are various models of political autonomy for minority communities in many countries around the world, which could serve as examples for Kosovo.

"I don’t think it is a risk. In many countries, we see arrangements that provide a level of political autonomy and a political voice for minorities, whether in Lebanon, where communities have different weight in the government, or in Canada, where Francophones have special rights to representation and language," Kupchan said.

He emphasized that in multiethnic societies like Kosovo, it is important to build mechanisms that guarantee the safety and political and cultural rights of minorities.

“There are agreements in multicultural, multiethnic societies that ensure minorities feel safe, have political rights, and that their language and culture are respected,” Kupchan added.

He warned that despite the challenges and uncertainties that may accompany this process, the decision not to act is even more dangerous.

"You are facing a constant risk regarding the CSM, but nothing is irreversible. Let’s say Kosovo forms the CSM, and Serbia refuses to engage, then you consider the next steps. But you somehow have to move forward, to build momentum," Kupchan stated.

He also noted that without taking concrete steps, the dialogue process will remain blocked and Kosovo will struggle to achieve its goals on the international stage.

Speaking about Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, he described him as “an effective politician with good political instincts,” but said that his recent actions may have undermined Kosovo’s progress in relations with the international community.

He considers Kurti’s return to power and political stability as proof of his political skills, but criticizes his approach to topics such as the dialogue with Serbia and relations with international partners.

“I think Kurti has gone somewhat overboard with the nationalist game,” Kupchan added.

According to him, the approach of Kurti’s government to issues such as the election of mayors in the north, license plates, the decision on currency change, and the lack of progress in forming the CSM have contributed to the perception of Kosovo as one of the obstacles to dialogue with Serbia.

“Until now, most people thought Serbia was the problem. Now, a sense has been created that Kosovo is also part of the problem,” Kupchan said.

He noted that “although these decisions are legal and in line with Kosovo’s sovereignty,” they do not necessarily translate into wise policy at the regional and international levels.

“These moves had a positive effect domestically, on nationalist sentiment, but in a broader sense, they brought nothing good for Kosovo in the eyes of the international community. They may have even made progress in the dialogue with Serbia more difficult. If the question is whether the prime minister has the legal right to take these steps, then the answer is yes. Kosovo is a sovereign country, it should have control over its entire territory and all institutions within its borders. But the fact that something is legal and in accordance with the Constitution does not mean it is good policy. That doesn’t mean it promotes Kosovo when we talk about regional relations and beyond,” Kupchan explained.