Lansky: Serbia is a key country in the region, Pristina lacks readiness for dialogue

Decisions such as the ones Kosovo resorts to, like the abolition of the dinar in payment transactions, are not wise and demonstrate a lack of readiness for dialogue in Pristina, Balkan expert, Austrian lawyer Gabriel Lansky assessed.

Lansky, commenting on the recent moves of the Kosovo Government for Kosovo Online, emphasized that the path of cooperation in all areas must be taken, which was why the abolition of the dinar and similar measures were neither good nor wise.

"I believe that there is currently a lack of readiness to establish communication and dialogue, and without that, it will not work," Lansky said, whose law firm organized the promotion of the Serbian edition of the book by former EU envoy for Kosovo, Wolfgang Petritsch, in Belgrade.

Lansky emphasized that Serbia was a key country in the region and that it would also be beneficial for Serbia to find a solution to the Kosovo issue.

"Serbia is a key country in the region. It has had that role and will continue to have it. It would also be good for Serbia to find a solution to the Kosovo issue. And Kosovo also needs a solution," Lansky emphasized.

When asked about the constant pressure on Serbia, including through the European Parliament and Austrian politicians like Andreas Schieder, Lansky observed that "geopolitical tensions have drastically changed" and that a country with a balanced position became a target of pressure.

"Serbia has taken a stance that I welcome. We need countries that have a balanced position with which dialogue is possible. This neutral stance allows for discussions with all parties. However, because of this, pressure on Serbia is increasing. But despite the pressure, Serbia manages to keep all doors open," Lansky said, citing Serbia's significant relations with China as an example.

Serbia in Europe has the function of being a "bridge builder", Lansky added.