Maliqi: The EU in a defensive stance and lacks initiative for continuing the dialogue, the key is now in the hands of the USA

Shkelzen Maliqi, a political analyst, believes that the European Union is on the defensive and lacks initiative when it comes to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. After the recent events in Kosovo, it is likely that the United States will become the driving force for unblocking the negotiation process and seeking a solution.

Following the events on September 24 and despite calls from European and US officials emphasizing the importance of reducing tensions and resuming dialogue, there are no indications as to when representatives from Belgrade and Pristina will return to the negotiation table. In fact, Kosovar officials have stated that there will be no talks until Serbia faces sanctions.

Maliqi says for Kosovo Online, states that there is no other option but to continue the dialogue, but there are no clear signals regarding the direction the talks will take.

He also commented on speculations that the European Envoy for Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, and Josep Borrell might step down from their roles.

"I don't know what will happen with Borrell and Lajcak. Lajcak appears to be a candidate for the prime minister of Slovakia, and it remains uncertain whether he will continue in his current role; we will see. I believe that the dialogue has no alternative. Not just the dialogue, but also the process that was nearing completion with the Ohrid Agreement, which had been verbally accepted by both sides. Albin Kurti was reportedly ready to sign it. Vucic didn't sign it but promised to do so once his arm pain subsided. So, now we are working on Vucic's recovery, and we'll see what kind of pressure will be applied. The EU is in a defensive position, lacking initiative, and it is likely that the United States will be the driving force in seeking a solution," Maliqi said.

He reminds that the dialogue has not yielded results for the past few years.

"The dialogue has stalled for the last five or six years, there have been no results, and Kurti and Vucic were putting obstacles in the way of that dialogue because it didn't suit them, neither Kurti nor Vucic, for it to be just a Community of Serb-majority Municipalities with an unclear status. Now, it is expected that there will be a bit more pressure. Whether there will be success remains to be seen," Maliqi said.

If something significant doesn't happen in the dialogue by spring, Maliqi claims that the discussions will take a back seat.

"That's the intention; by the end of the year or possibly early spring, around February or March, it should be concluded. If it doesn't conclude, there will be EU elections and the presidential campaign in Washington," Maliqi emphasized, adding that in that case, there was a possibility that the whole process might be prolonged further.