Milivojevic: The formation of the CSM could unblock the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue

Former diplomat Zoran Milivojevic stated that the EU has an interest in unblocking Serbia’s EU accession process, emphasizing that the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities could pave the way for progress in the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue.

Milivojevic told RTS that Serbia remains open to dialogue, while, as he noted, there is currently no functioning government in Pristina.

He stressed that it is in the interest of both Serbia and the EU to unblock Serbia’s accession process and noted that both Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos insist on the dominance of the geopolitical foundation. He explained that, as the President of Serbia has said, the essence of this is the insistence on imposing sanctions against Russia.

“They call it that, but the essence is the implementation of sanctions against Russia, and this process is accelerating as the situation in Ukraine approaches a turning point,” Milivojevic said.

According to him, the geopolitical dimension is key, and the insistence on it remains crucial.

While European officials said yesterday that this is the first term of the European Commission in which enlargement is a realistic possibility, most European media are speculating about whether the Union is truly ready for change and new members.

Milivojevic pointed out that, when it comes to EU integration, the Western Balkans appears to be in the shadow of Ukraine and Moldova, which are being given priority even though the Western Balkan countries have progressed further toward the EU. He added that there is now a notion of a “two-speed Europe,” suggesting that some countries could join the EU but without voting rights.

“The Russia issue is at the forefront. I’m afraid the geopolitical condition will be dominant when it comes to opening Cluster 3,” Milivojevic said.

The former diplomat noted that recommendations to open Cluster 3 have been on the table for three years.

“There is an EU interest in unblocking Serbia’s path toward membership because the situation in the region depends on Serbia. It is important for the EU to absorb this area, and I think that will be decisive for opening Cluster 3,” Milivojevic stated.

He believes this would be beneficial for the entire region, which would then see the EU’s willingness and sincerity to continue the accession process.