Zecevic: CSM is key to progress in the dialogue, Sorensen could not do anything due to the crisis in Pristina

The Director of the Institute for European Studies in Belgrade, Slobodan Zecevic, told Kosovo Online that the process of normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina has reached a point where the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities is crucial, and that during the past year, EU Special Envoy Peter Sorensen could not do anything on this issue because a political crisis prevailed in Kosovo.

“The key element, the formation and functioning of the CSM, which was supposed to contribute to progress in the dialogue, cannot be realized because Kurti does not want it and because they are constantly in a parliamentary crisis. Sorensen could not do anything there. On the other hand, Belgrade is being asked to recognize their documents,” Zecevic said.

In his assessment, the EU is powerless when it comes to the dialogue.

“They do not want to move forward with further sanctions against Kosovo’s institutions, they are waiting for the outcome of the political crisis, and since there is none, there is also no progress in the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities, and that is the key to everything. Sorensen could have done two things, either demand stronger sanctions against Kosovo or demand the formation of the CSM, but it is obvious that there was tolerance because of the political crisis in Kosovo,” he said.

When asked whether pressure from Brussels on the new government in Pristina regarding the dialogue should be expected in 2026, Zecevic said that everything also depends on the European Union’s stance toward Serbia, because the implementation of the Brussels Agreement is interpreted as if “something is being done for Serbia.”

“At the same time, they fail to understand that we have in fact made far more painful compromises than the Albanians when it comes to the Brussels Agreement. I believe that pressure should be exerted on the new authorities in Pristina, because the process of normalization can only be unblocked if the formation of the CSM begins in line with the Brussels agreement,” Zecevic emphasized.