Mitic: A difficult year ahead regarding Kosovo; it is important to preserve the "red lines"

Scientific collaborator at the Institute of International Politics and Economics, Aleksandar Mitic, tells Kosovo Online that the new government of Serbia is facing a very difficult year in terms of pressures from various sides regarding Kosovo, as well as various other issues such as alignment with foreign policy.

"It is crucial for Belgrade to remain firmly committed to the defense of what it defined as 'red lines,' namely, neither de facto nor de jure recognition of Kosovo. This is especially important in this process, as it does not seek de jure recognition but de facto recognition. In my opinion, this would mean rejecting the majority, or some key elements, of the Franco-German plan," Mitic says.

According to him, the Franco-German proposal "implies renouncing Kosovo."

"If that happens, after that, any 'red lines' are no longer important, including the question of the United Nations and especially issues of de jure recognition. It seems to me that Belgrade's 'red lines' are already set very, very low, and if they were endangered, it would represent an additional problem," Mitic believes.

He emphasizes that Belgrade is under various types of pressure from other sides, both regarding alignment with a common foreign policy and various other hybrid threats.

"However, the fact is that the method of making concessions under pressure in these hybrid crises, which are clearly and coordinatedly caused by both Kurti and the Quint, needs to be stopped. I expect a very difficult year for Belgrade, but I hope for a much firmer stance that will not jeopardize these most basic lines, precisely because we are heading into a year after which more serious, not only geopolitical changes but also political changes in Europe, can be a boost to Belgrade's positions," Mitic concludes.