Zecevic: Von der Leyen will also influence Kalas' and Kos' approach to Belgrade and Pristina

In the European Parliament, hearings for candidates for commissioner roles in the new European Commission conclude today. The Director of the Institute for European Studies in Belgrade, Slobodan Zecevic, assesses that Kaja Kallas, the candidate for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Marta Kos, the candidate for Commissioner for Enlargement, will play an important role in the ongoing process of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. However, he emphasizes that the tone of the entire European Commission will actually be set by its president, Ursula von der Leyen.

"As for relations with Serbia and Kosovo, I believe Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos must act in coordination with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The President of the European Commission holds greater authority and influence over Commission policies, and can dismiss or oppose certain commissioners, which implies a level of hierarchical discipline within the Commission that was previously absent," Zecevic told Kosovo Online.

He notes that while he does not underestimate the importance of Kallas and Kos, it is ultimately the President of the European Commission who wields significant influence. He also points out that the United States, as a sort of "big brother" to the EU, is critical to the developments in Kosovo.

"Kaja Kallas comes from a country that holds a hostile stance towards Russia, and we are often associated with Russia; we’ll see how she will view us. Both Estonia and Slovenia have recognized Kosovo’s independence, so the situation is clear there. However, the position of the United States toward us and the Kosovo issue can greatly influence them, regardless of this fact. Ultimately, both Kallas and Kos are important. In the EU, however, it is the Commission President who sets the overall tone, with the United States driving Western policy toward both us and Kosovo. The stance of the entire Western alliance will ultimately shape the European Commission’s approach toward us and these two politicians’ perspectives on the Kosovo issue," Zecevic concludes.