Seebass: Kurti’s idea of forced integration of Serbs has failed; the CSM is essential for the democratization of Kosovo

German Balkan expert Frauke has stated that the implementation of the 2023 Ohrid Agreement remains crucial for Kosovo’s progress. She emphasized that the idea promoted by Self-Determination and Albin Kurti to force the integration of Serbs through the principle of reciprocity has failed, and that the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities (CSM) is a prerequisite for the integration of Serbs and the further democratization of Kosovo.

“For the EU, the implementation of the 2023 Ohrid Agreement remains of fundamental importance, and Kosovo needs to demonstrate progress in establishing the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. This is fundamentally linked to Kosovo’s progress in transatlantic integration, from membership in the Council of Europe to the processing of its membership application. Due to the political situation in Serbia, EU rapprochement is currently very difficult, especially under Kurti, but Kosovo can make significant progress both domestically and in its foreign policy through the implementation of the Association,” Seebass said in an interview with Deutsche Welle.

She noted that EU measures and blockades are directed against Kurti and his unilateral policies, particularly due to the lack of consultations and escalations in the northern municipalities.

“Instead of condemning unequal treatment compared to Serbia, the Government should understand that it is on the defensive and that there is no consensus within the EU. The measures are legally in a grey zone; their lifting requires unanimity, but many countries want to first see Kosovo make concessions. It can be assumed that international partners would be more open to a government led by someone other than Kurti,” she said.

Responding to a journalist’s remark that authorities in Pristina fear the Association would undermine Kosovo’s functionality, the German expert said she sees no such risk following the Constitutional Court’s decision and the current proposals under the Ohrid Agreement.

“On the contrary, I believe that the Association of municipalities is a prerequisite for the integration of Kosovo Serbs and further democratization, especially if southern municipalities are also part of it, and such deeper integration can also prevent new proposals for territorial changes (territorial exchanges). An association of municipalities—protected by the constitution and the right to self-government enshrined in it—would manage areas such as education and urban planning, but it would not be able to block national decisions, as is the case, for example, in the Republic of Srpska. The Self-Determination movement’s idea of forced integration through reciprocity, on the other hand, has failed,” Seebass said.

Finally, she stressed that the EU can influence the parties to make progress in implementing the agreements, but that political will—and above all, unity—is lacking.