Pavkovic: Dialogue is not a priority for Kurti, but I expect stronger EU pressure

Milos Pavkovic, Director of Strategy at the Center for European Policies in Belgrade, told Kosovo Online that dialogue with Belgrade has never been a priority for Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and that this will remain the case now. Pavkovic, however, expects pressure from the EU, particularly from the Quint countries, to get down to work now that fully mandated institutions have been established in Pristina.

“I expect pressure from the EU and the Quint countries to intensify, so that work can now begin on fulfilling the obligations arising from the dialogue and the agreement on normalization. Whether this will influence Albin Kurti's government remains an open question, but the room for maneuver to avoid obligations will definitely be reduced,” Pavkovic said.

Pavkovic is not convinced that the institutions in Pristina will be prepared to reach an agreement and make concessions to the Serbian community in order to secure the support of the non-majority community for amendments to the Kosovo Constitution.

“I am not sure Kurti will make dialogue a priority, particularly the Community of Serb Municipalities, which has always been a point of contention and an issue he built his political platform around by opposing it. My assessment is that he will focus on reforms, the Reform Agenda and alignment with the EU, while leaving the issue of dialogue aside or implementing some less important technical agreements,” he said.

Pavkovic reiterated that the Community of Serb Municipalities is a major issue that both Belgrade and Brussels will insist on, but he is convinced that Kurti is not yet ready to compromise on the matter.

He also pointed out that there are ideas circulating in Pristina about separating Kosovo's European integration path from the dialogue with Belgrade, but he considers them “wishful thinking,” because Serbia would then seek a similar approach, which would ultimately do nothing to contribute to the normalization of relations.

“The EU's position on this issue is firm, and I do not believe it will change. Any proposals from Pristina to change the structure are attempts and maneuvers to avoid obligations. Brussels has seen through this, and such proposals will not be accepted,” Pavkovic said.