Zecevic: CSM is a matter of political will, Brussels has mechanisms to influence Pristina

Slobodan Zecevic, Director of the Institute for European Studies, told Kosovo Online that the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM) is primarily a matter of political decision in Pristina and the willingness of the European Union to exert political and financial pressure in order to finally launch the process.

“I think this is a political decision of the government in Pristina and that it is a political initiative. Ultimately, the pressure of the European Union on Kurti would have to be political and financial, so that this issue is finally resolved after so many decades. It is a matter of the political will of the European Union. I believe they are aware that a lot of time has passed, and the very statement of the EU ambassador indicates that they are aware that much time has passed without results and that it is time to do something,” Zecevic said.

He adds that the European Union has mechanisms it could use to influence Pristina.

“What technical capabilities do they have? They have political capabilities, they have financial capabilities when it comes to institutions in Pristina. Are they ready to use them? That is now a question for the European Union, rather than for Kurti,” Zecevic emphasized.

He assesses that the political situation in Kosovo is chaotic, but that a solution could still be reached if there were political will.

“Kurti could complete that task regarding the statute of the Community of Serb Municipalities if he had the political will. It is obvious that he does not, and that is the problem. Then it is up to the European Union to see how to deal with Kurti and his stance on the CSM,” he said.

Commenting on the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Kurti, Zecevic expressed hope that the CSM was also on the agenda.

“Serbia has insisted on this many times, and France as a friendly country certainly understands that this is about the fate of the Serbian and Christian population in Kosovo. Without the Community of Serb Municipalities, they have no chance of survival in that area, given the current situation,” he said.

He emphasizes that Europe must preserve its tradition, culture, and the members of its civilization.

“The Community of Serb Municipalities is the only condition for the survival of Serbs in Kosovo. And if Europe does not support that, I do not know who else would. The policy of Kurti’s government is focused on how to push Serbs out of Kosovo, how to relocate them to Serbia. That is what he is focused on. Europe, on the other hand, should be protecting the Christian population,” Zecevic concluded.