Slomsek: Dialogue is not a burden, but a tool and a path for Serbia and Kosovo toward the European Union

Dialogue remains high on the EU’s list of priorities and represents the path toward the European integration of Kosovo and Serbia, stated the political adviser to the EU Envoy for the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, Peter Sorensen, Andreja Slomsek, adding that Brussels is focused on the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, sustainable de-escalation of tensions, economic normalization and the humanitarian agenda.

At the Peace and Democracy Summit in Pristina, during the debate “Can the dialogue on normalization between Kosovo and Serbia survive in a context increasingly shaped by narrative warfare and dualities”, Slomsek said that the process remains active, recalling Sorensen’s statement that it is a continuous process, not a single moment in which normalization is achieved.

She added that the political situation in both Serbia and Kosovo is very complex, but engagement continues, noting that since the beginning of his mandate, Sorensen has met 66 times with representatives of Belgrade and Pristina, which, she emphasized, kept lines of communication open and prevented greater tensions, as well as ensured that they remain focused on dialogue-related obligations.

“We see the effects on a daily basis. Vehicles and goods pass every day across the six crossings, and cooperation at the practical level continues despite political tensions”, Slomsek said.

She also mentioned that much has been done recently to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo.

She noted that she is cautiously optimistic when it comes to the dialogue next year, stressing that the normalization process and the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement are key, and that the engagement of Belgrade and Pristina provides a strong foundation for progress, but that political will and the fulfillment of obligations are also necessary.

Slomsek said that the EU is focused on four priorities, including the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, which entails the first high-level meeting to which EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas invited the parties during her visit to the Western Balkans.

Furthermore, the EU is, she said, focused on sustainable de-escalation of tensions and reintegration of minority communities, which must have their institutions in Kosovo, as well as on economic normalization.

Slomsek stated that progress in cooperation is reflected in the fact that 1.7 million people and 650.000 vehicles crossed the checkpoints last summer without problems, and 17,500 trucks last month alone.

She warned that foreign investors observe political risk, and that normalization is key for the economic development of Kosovo and Serbia, highlighting the EU’s support through the six-billion-euro Growth Plan for the region, of which 880 million is allocated to Kosovo.

Slomsek also emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation and called for adherence to the 2023 commitments on missing persons and cooperation with the Red Cross, recalling that 1,600 people are still listed as missing.

She noted that the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue is high on the European Union’s list of priorities and that there is no alternative, and that Brussels considers dialogue essential for regional stability and European integration.

“Dialogue is not a burden that the European Union is imposing, but a tool and a path for Serbia and Kosovo toward the European Union. The European Union wants you in the family”, Slomsek said.