Troccaz: Brussels-Ohrid Agreement is a framework for overcoming difficulties in Belgrade-Pristina relations

The Brussels-Ohrid Agreement serves as a framework to overcome difficulties in relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Progress in dialogue is necessary, as well as refraining from unilateral actions. We call on both sides to avoid unilateral steps, Rene Troccaz, France's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, stated today at the Belgrade Security Conference.

Philip Reeker, Chair of the Global Europe Program at the Wilson Center and former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, moderated the panel titled "Europe: Surviving and Thriving in a Geopolitical Age." He noted that there is skepticism regarding EU enlargement, as many countries have been waiting for membership for a very long time. As Troccaz added, Western Balkan countries have been waiting over 20 years to join the EU, which is too long.

He reminded of the 2004 EU enlargement, when ten countries had been admitted at once, calling it a major and successful expansion.

"The idea was that EU membership brings prosperity and stability. The war in Ukraine should inspire new answers for the Western Balkans. It is important to follow the path of EU enlargement toward the Western Balkans, including Serbia. For us, Serbia’s future is within the EU, and we are working on that, trying to find ways to open Cluster Three," Troccaz said.

He also addressed the European Political Community, whose recent summit was held in Budapest. Troccaz described it not as an institution but more like a "family gathering" where leaders discuss issues in an open atmosphere.

"Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don't, but at least we discuss. It is a framework to identify commonalities and tackle challenges together. The European Political Community is evolving, and the next two summits will be held in Albania and Montenegro. There is significant interest in this format because it allows both EU members and non-members to participate in discussions," Troccaz explained.

He emphasized the need for solutions to address the challenges Europe faces.

"We must make Europe stronger and more coherent," Troccaz concluded.